suggestions for time frame....

Ok, so I know you all know I am very anxiously awaiting for insurance approval and just can't get past the fear that I will be denied.  Everything I read on here, it seems most people, not all, are approved in like a week or less.  So, here's where I need advice.  I saw Dr. Mattar, psych and the nut for the rest of my appts on Monday....cleared on all ends and then was told that next step is being submitted to insurance.  I also was scheduled for my preop testing Feb. 26th.  I was told I could call on my own to check the status of insurance, they typically tell people it can take up to 30 days for approval.  So here is my dilemma.  I don't know when I can start calling to check.  I have no idea when the paperwork has really been submitted.  or if it really even has yet.  When I called the insurance gal (Laverne) at Dr. Mattar's office she didn't call back.  I have emailed her twice too to just give me an idea of when it would be submitted or if it had and she never answered.  When I called Anthem today of course, there's nothing in the system yet.  I don't want to pester Laverne, but I want to stay on top of things either, but that's hard to do if I can't get her to answer.  What would you do?

I would not worry that you are bothering anyone, make the calls as often as you feel necessary to get the answers you want.  This is your life and your surgery be very proactive in what happens.  Call her daily until she tells you that your paperwork has been submitted to your insurance. 

Once she says it has been then start calling the insurance to verify that they have recieved the paperwork and are reviewing it.  I can't tell you how many times people have posted on the boards here saying "the surgeons office told me it was submitted two weeks ago but when I called today they have no record"....do not be one of these people CALL THEM every step of the way.  It took my surgeons office three tries to get the paperwork there, I know the lady was faxing it because she had fax receipts but for whatever reason the insurance was not recieveing them so I asked that they be resent.  

Once the insurance company has the paperwork and tells you it is being reviewed call once a week, not much you can do to hurry them along, they have time frames they work under but if it makes you feel better call.  My insurance told me it would take 15 days to make a decision ...I called them three times during that time.  On day 15 I was approved.

Do not ever worry that you are bothering people, they are working for you.  They are being paid very well by your insurance company to work for you.  If it makes you feel better end each conversation with "Thank you for your time Laverne, I know your busy and I appreciate that but will it be ok if I call you back tomorrow at 3 to check on my paperwork?"  I bet she says its ok,  then you don't have to feel bad, she is expecting your call. 


Jeannie

Thanks Jeannie!  My problem has been that I have emailed Laverne twice with an answer as to when I can expect it to be submitted and when I didn't get a reply, I then called her, got her voicemail and she never returned that call either.  So, I can't get her to answer me.  Very frustrating.  This whole process has gone sooo smoothly, like to good to be true smooth, and this is the part that of course is most important and I can't "see" whats going on, kwim?

If I would not have been calling both my Dr. office and Insurance company every couple of days nothing would have been done yet!  I was told over the phone that I was denied last Friday and that I would get a letter this week telling why and how to appeal.  I am certain it is just missing paper work or something simple.  I still have not received the letter.  I called the insurance company today and was first told that the letter went out last Friday, then after the gal investigated she found all of my paper work on someones desk.... she is supposed to call me by monday with an answer about getting the letter,  I have requested that it be faxed to me now.  My point is, that I called several times in this process and I am glad I did.  So I encourage you to call every step of the way.  Good luck!

Dawn H

Thanks Dawn. I will wait and see what Monday brings.

hon laverne is like that...shes good thou...she usesully will let you know as  soon as you are approved...keep calling her...it will prob be one to two weeks for approval then they will call you to set you up for the before class ( all day  to get ready for surgery..) bring support partner with you...then schedule you for surgery...usally with in one to two weeks...you can ask nancy how long out dr.mattar is scheulling surgery ...and dont be surprised if they then move it up...they did mine.. you have to be on liquid diet for two days before........my work was thowing me a food no longer party right before my two days and  I had to go into work and say I have to leave...they moved up my surgery.....so I cant eat...IM on liquids  now......so dont worry it wont be long now for ya...good luck....

Thanks!!  Well I am going to assume it was submitted by yesterday (Friday) and call in a week and check with Anthem.

I wouldn't  be afraid to call either. Sometimes you have to be the squeaky wheel. When Anthem wouldn't pay for my air ambulance last summer, I started sending them weekly registered letters they had to sign for with more and more evidence why I thought they should. They finally agreed with me!

Hang in there girl, keep calling, and know that Anthum does take their time- sometimes. I called 2 times a week till I heard back. I finally said "Ok God, I give up, if it is meant to happen you'll make it , if not than let me have peace about it"- not 1/2 hr. later they called with a date! they seem to be doing things quicker now tho, I just wish you all the best!!! Keep us posted, it will happen before you know it!!

Everyone is right about calling them.  I found out that my surgeons office faxed it to insurance and it got lost... i waited two weeks to call and wasted that time.  Once I got on the phone and started calling it was only 30 days to approval and then within 6 weeks it was all over and I was on my way home from the hospital.  So call, call, and call some more.  Dont feel bad about it at all!

Huge hugs,
Tracy