So...What's next?

I was called and told that the surgeon's office received my referral and that they scheduled me for my first consultation, they called it a seminar, Wednesday the 26th of September. My family doctor said everything is good to go, but I'm confused. Does this mean I'm approved? And after the seminar what happens next? When do I find out when I'm scheduled to get my surgery done? The lady was not very helpful!

Who is the surgeon?

Usually: Seminar first. Consult with the surgeon. Bunch of tests you schedule. Insurance submission. Wait for approval. If approved, surgeon's office schedules surgery. Provides you a date. 

--gina
 

Even though I've been checked by my family doctor and a gastrologist and they both put in a referral? I've had blood work, and a CT Scan along with a scope and a bunch of other stuff. Or does it matter?

 Before when I was going for the band mine kinda went in reverse also,  if your primary recommends a surgeon and you go to them they usually know what test are needed so this speeds the process up for you and they can also use the tests they have if not outdated so you don't have to pay twice.  With me I told my primary who I was going to and since she had worked with him before on other cases she knew what to order and that really helped with the hoop jumping.  I hope it is the same in your case also.  Sending positive vibes your way.

 Thank you, that was positive information I really needed to hear! I hope so too. 

 Call your insurance co today and see what all they require to be approved.  The referral may be all you need, but many have to jump through a few hoops first.

Things like this make me realize how good my insurance really is.  I went for a consultation (actually  my 2nd one, with a year in between), said let's do this, my doctor's office made all the calls and got pre-approval.  I got the psych eval letter from my counselor, talked to the nutritionist on the phone for about an hour one day, got formal approval, got all my tests done in a day, got a surgery date and was good to go.

Start to finish, the process took maybe 3 1/2 weeks.  Awesome insurance, awesome doctor's staff, or maybe both?