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Maureen N.
on 8/15/08 3:16 am - Redding, CA

I saw the doctor on August 1st and the nurse said they'd submit for pre-authorization within 3-5 days. I called them on the 11th and it still had not been submitted for pre-authorization! (And, I was told NOT to call the doctor's office again - they would call me when the pre-authorization came through). So, I called the insurance company today and they have NO request for pre-authorization! I've been on this *A$&#(%*&($ liver shrink diet since the 4th and was shooting for the 18th but that's not happening. So we moved it to the 25th. It's beginning to look like that's not happening either. DAMMMMMMMIT. Sept 2nd? But that makes 4 full weeks on this disgusting disturbing gross limited/no choice diet. Arrrrrrrgh.

Ok. I am done venting. I am going to have the prettiest liver around by the time I actually make it into the operating room.

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Monica P.
on 8/15/08 3:31 am - Long Beach, CA

RNY on 07/19/07 with

I know they told you not to call, BUT......I would call the doctor's office anyways. Ask for a specific deadline on when they will submit for the authorization and tell them you will be calling back to check and make sure it has been complete. Do not accept a vague or non-answer like "I don't know."

I found that these phone calls are really effective if you are balanced between 'polite' and 'firm'. If the person you are talking to can't give you a solid answer ask for their boss.

You could also do a three-way call with your HMO and your doctor's office. It makes it hard for them to finger-point at each other when they're on the same phone call.

Don't give up!

Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."
- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

Maureen N.
on 8/15/08 4:05 am - Redding, CA

RNY on 09/08/08

Thanks. I'm not giving up, but will give the doctor's office until TUESDAY next week to contact me and then I will call them back. I'm just so flippin' hungry!

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Monica P.
on 8/15/08 5:27 am - Long Beach, CA

RNY on 07/19/07 with

Oh, and always take notes when you make these calls. Take down the date, time and name of the person you spoke to. If you can, get their direct phone number. Usually people will make sure they do their part if you can identify them and contact them directly.

Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."
- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

plan2behealthy
on 8/15/08 6:59 am - Long Beach, CA

RNY on 07/23/08

Great advise Monica,

I also would call everyday. Take names and don't be bullied by the office staff. I wish you the best

Linda

jj_in_CA
on 8/15/08 12:35 pm - Gualala, CA

RNY on 07/09/08

If it gets too bad, make an appointment with the doctor and ask him directly. Nothing gets things rolling like a word from the boss. ;-)

Good luck! I'm rooting for you!
---jan---

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