I had an HMO (kaiser) and I didn't get to meet with the surgeon until 9 months after starting the process - there was a team of other people and classes I had to go through first.

Not sure what HealthNEt does, so I can't be very helpful, but hope it resolves soon!

I'll see you there

Update: I just got my approval finallyyyy! Thanks everyone for all your help!

I posted this on the insurance forum but it doesn't seem too populated over there. I figured I'd try here also.

I'm having a really hard time getting my insurance to approve my consultation request to meet with my surgeon. I have never had an HMO until now (I had to switch from a PPO to get coverage for WLS) and I'm finding this to be incredibly frustrating. I can't even get a CONSULTATION! They have kept it "pending in the final stages" for over a week now! I mean, if this is how long it takes just to MEET the guy, I can't even imagine how long it's going to take to get any kind of surgery approved.

I'm not really sure what the problem is. I have a BMI of 51 - Clearly I am a candidate for this request. My PCP's office is completely frustrated and baffled too. They keep e-mailing and getting no response. Has anyone else with HealthNet HMO had these kind of issues? Is this going to be a really long road to approval?

Thanks in advance!

On Thursday, right?

I would love to attend your meetings.. I haven't been able to find many close by :-)