How long does it take for BCBS to ......

give aproval once the surgeans office submits it?  My information was just submitted today and the nurse/coordinator said if they are busy it can take up to 45 days for their response.  I am just curious if you could share your experience or knowledge with me of how long it took for your aproval and surgery date.  Thanks , Patti

Well my BCBS is administered out of VA, and I was told with them the surgeons office only had to call and answer a couple questions but the did all the paper work things and it only took 2 weeks.

Thanks Crystal, that makes sense with what the girls at the office were saying.  I think I may call them to get a better understanding of what is going on tomarrow.  Thank you for your response.  Patti

I have BCBS of Michigan and there is no pre-approval authorization.  Once the surgeon's office had collected all the information they needed based on the requirements of my policy, I was "approved".  Basically the surgeon's office is responsible for making sure everything is in order before they perform the surgery --- or they risk not getting paid.   Have you called BCBS to find out if they still require pre-authorization?  Many branches just changed their policy on January 1st where it's no longer required.  Just call the number on the back of your insurance card and find out.  :-) Pam

Thanks Pam for your reply.  I am going thru Hurley too, with Dr. Kralovich, I need to change my info on here.  You look like your doing really good by the pictures I have seen.  I may have misworded the info but gal at hurley said she was sending it into bcbs for reveiw? I am just ancious and really want this to happen soon.  Thanks, Patti

Call Hurley back and bug them.  I've found that they aren't always prompt with returning calls.  Also might want to call BCBS to see if they need pre-authorization on your specific policy. I also know that Hurley has a couple gals *****view your file for insurance compliance before they "deem you approved" ... so maybe that's what they were talking about - having their interal folks review it.  Not sure. I definitely  need to update my pictures.  I'm doing a picture-a-day thing, so I've more recent ones I can add ... just gotta get around to getting them off the camera and onto the computer.  :)  Thanks for the compliment though.  How sweet! Pam

Good luck!  I have BCBS and I didn't have to wait long at all.  I started researching WLS in 08/07 and was able to have my procedure in 09/07. Good luck!