Which comes first? The chicken or the egg?

Seriously though...which comes first the approval or the surgery date? I got my date but does that mean that BCBS has approved the procedure? Or does that just mean that I'm on Dr. Wynn's appointment books as tentative pending approval? Simply Gawjus

Hi simply...wish I had a simplyfied answer for you. Not sure about the procedures now, but it used to be it could go either way depending on the speed of your insurance company. Hopefully yours will be fast! You can call BCBS and ask them the status of your surgery request and see what they say. I went through BCBS of Delaware...maryland Point Of Service..weird the way that's done...thru MBNA. I was approved with no problems, hopefully you will be too. Linda

I had my surgery date long before (months) I had my approval with BCBS. I think they filed for my approval just about a month before my surgery. The good news is ... once filed, I had my approval with a days time. Not sure of protocol now though. Now about that chicken/egg question ... I too have always pondered the chicken and the egg first question and came to the conclusion that the chicken came first. In Genesis God said that He created the animals. He also created Adam & Eve (from Adams Rib). Anyway, the way I see it, God created Eve (bearing eggs) and animals (bearing eggs) thus the form was before the egg. Now if I could just get everyone who has ever pondered that question a single dollar, I would be set for life!!!

Hi Simply, I had my surgery the end of Jan. this year, and I have BCBSof DE PPO. I did not even have to do anything with my insurance and I had my date and surgery before I even heard anything about my approval. As a matter of fact I had my surgery and a couple days later got a letter in the mail from BCBS that said they approved my surgery. So I guess it will all depend. Sorry I could not help you more. Christie

Thanks Christie. I have BCBSDE PPO too so hopefully my will go smoothly. Was your laparascopic or open? I was told by the insurance company that don't approve lap but Dr. Wynn said that they do. This is all so nerve racking...it'll all be over soon. Less than 30 days to go!!! Yippeee!!

Hi Simply, I had lap, so yes they do pay for it. I am sure it is nerve racking...congratulations on your day!!! Christie

I am not Christy, but wanted to let you know that I was also BCBS DE and was approved for lap. Hang in there, the waiting is almost over! Hugs, Tammy

Hi Simply, I was called with my surgery date of 4/15/05 and was told that they called my insurance, bcbs of de ppo, and given approval over the phone the same day. A couple of days later I got my letter in the mail from the insurance company stating I was approved. This all happened about 2 weeks ago. Second, I wanted the lap band but was told my insurance didn't cover it????? What's up with that??? Rhonda

wow Rhonda!! 4/15?? That's like next week?!?!?!? Are you nervous? I kept having bad thoughts when I first got my surgery date. (I'm not even going to write down what I was thinking because I don't want to put the negative energy out there.) I've gotten over it though. I can't wait for May 4!!! Good luck with your surgery- you'll have plenty of prayers and happy thoughts from this side!!

My understanding is that all clearances have to be faxed into your insurance company, prior to them giving the final okay. For me, it did not happen until the day before my surgery. Don't worry too much about that. The insurance clearance will almost take care of itself, provided your primary has already agreed that surgery is a good option for you and you receive the other clearances without complications. Best wishes. Towanda T.