The wait is hard!! Waiting for callback from PNC

Boy,,, this waiting to get a callback from Park Nicollet Bariatrics is hard!  I submitted my paperwork last week, called on Monday to make sure they had received it.  Yep they did, and they had received the referral from my primary doc.  The nurse said they are processing my paperwork but I don't know what that means!! I'm ready to get this process rockin!  And I don't want to be a bug-a-boo to them because I know I am far from the only patient they have to process... I have read some blogs here- but not seen much info about turnaround times for getting callbacks and surgery scheduled. I haven't decided which process to go with yet either, I am leaning towards lap-band but we'll see.  I am researching, researching, researching and reading everything I can find about both procedures. For those of you out here who used PNC for your procedure - what was your timeframe from submitting paperwork - to the pre-appts - to the surgery?  (I also have Medica for insurance, I know it can vary based on insurance requirements). Any info will be great to know! Thanks much

I had Medica too, and went through Park Nicollet.  Your employer's specifics with Medica are probably a bigger issue than having Medica, so you might want to check with you benefits administrator about possible exclusions.  Prior to 2007, WLS was covered 100%.  Then in 2007, it went on the 80/20 plan, but by the time I had surgery I had already come to within @ $300 of my max out-of-pocket, so I think I paid around $280 for my actual surgery.   As for time frame?  I sent my packet in on January 17, got a call back to set up my first round of appointments on the 23rd.   Got through all the appointments and was submitted to insurance about 5 weeks later, took about 2 weeks for my approval (Jennifer was on vacation during those two weeks, I heard many were approved faster than that!), and had my surgery on April 27th.  So just over 3 months from submitting my paperwork to my surgery date! Good luck to you - it's worth every day you wait, even tho it doesn't feel like that now...

I had PNC and Medica also.  Lap RNY with Dr. Jones. I don't remember specific time frames but that from start to surgery was 6 mo.

submitted paperwork....called me back within a week. started process: Nov 2007 Surgery: may 2008 (I didn't have insurance for a portion of that time so it stalled things)

Nicci - I hope you get your call soon - like first thing Monday morning would be great, eh?! Best to you on your journey!

It took about a week and a half to get my call back from PNC to schedule the first round of appointments.  I too have Medica.  It'll take nearly 2 months to get through all their rounds of appointments (EKG, nutritionist, physical therapist, visit with nurse, etc) and then they'll submit to insurance - it took 21 days for me to hear back from Medica.  It was agony I have to tell you.  lol!  Then when they approved me, Jennifer from PNC called to schedule my appointment for my surgeon consult to get the date!  I have pretty consistantly heard that the turnaround time at PNC is about 3 months.  However, if your insurance requires a physician monitored diet before approval can be given, that will stall things as well.  Your best bet is to call your insurance company directly to find out what their requirements are so you can get those going asap. Good luck! Michelle