Seeking insurance/surgery advice

HI - I went for a consult with a surgeon (#1) and submitted my insurance info. In the meantime I have found another surgeon (#2) who is in my hometown and would be covered 100% on my insurance, the other is only 80%. Both surgeons and hospitals are good quality and have an established good record. I am confident that I will be approved in a few days with my insurance co. with surgeon #1 My questions are: When I am approved for #1 who is NOT in network but they will pay 80%, can I call the insurance co. and tell them I want to go with #2 who is IN network? Can I take their approval and make it universal? or Should I just go with #1 ecspecially because I can have the surgery 8 months sooner? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Sara

hi sara, i would definitely call your insurance company and explain that you found a surgeon in network and ask what you can do to make the change to get him approved. i would never assume you can make their approval of one work for the other without checking. and as far as going with the out of network surgeon and paying the 20%, i don't know what your resources are, but i would check with the hospital to get an idea of how much 20% will be. i know it's hard to wait, but this is an expensive surgery and that could be a chunk of cash! best wishes either way!! tracy

Thanks, yeah that was what I was thinking...and yes I realize waiting a while in exchange for $1500 and driving two hours one way vs. no $$$ and driving across town might be better. Gotta save that money for new clothes I guess! Have a good day. Sara