BC/BS of Illinois? do I get surgery date before approval?

Hi, is it the norm to get a surgery date before you are approved??? Is it ok to do?? Anyone with advice I appreciate.

Hi Elizabeth: I have BCBS of Illinois (albeit the federal employee plan, which I understand is "different"). My surgeon would not schedule my surgery date before approval was received. From reading postings from others, I would have to say that it is NOT "the norm" to get a surgery date before approval. Most people wait and wait for approval ... then get a date! But, I suppose anything is possible! Best of luck to you! Nancy

Hi Elizabeth, My name is Ken Shirley and I have BCBS HMO. I had to report them to the Attorney General before they would approve my surgery. So don't be surprised that you get a rejection letter. My recommendation is to appeal once then call the Attorney General and log a complaint with them if they deny you a second time. They will listen after that. However I had to scream at the top of my lungs to have anybody listen to me. They will not give you a surgery date with out pre approved. Good Luck and God Bless, Kenneth Shirley

Hi, Elizabeth I had my surgery date when I left my surgeon's office the day of my initial consult. I think it depends more on your surgeon than your insurance. Best of luck to ya!

Hi Elizabeth, I have BC/BS IL and was given a "tentative" surgery date. Because of the difficulties BC/BS has presented recently in approving anyone for the surgery...it's basically so your surgeon keeps the date open, more than it is for you to get excited. I have a tentative date of 11/11 - it won't happen though because they refuse to approve me. I will not be having surgery for at least a year because I did not have the requisite 12 months supervised diet within the last 24 months. So now I'm dieting, and have my fingers crossed. If you have the diet thing covered, you will probably have a very different experience than I did. Best of luck.