Approved but can't have a surgery date!!!!

I am approved for surgery by my insurance company. I thought that was a big hurdle!  What a minute I can't get a surgery date because I have to wait for another patient to be approved also. The nurse at my doctors office told me that they have to schedule two patients at a time for surgery. I did not know that my surgery would be predicated upon another patients insurance outcome.  What if they get a denial and have to go through the appeal process?  Do I have to take that ride with them? I really like my doctor and his staff.  I don't  understand this policy. Has anyone else experienced this? Would you wait around for  another patient's approval? Do I need to seek another doctor?

Yes, I had a similar situation. When I was originally going to have the lap band, I had only ONE day to pick from because Dr. Mann still had to do 3 proctored surgeries before he could go it on his own.  They had 2 other folks scheduled on this particular day and no other lap band patients waiting in the wings to plug into the slot I was taking so I could wait and let him get these 3 done on that day, so I could then have more dates to choose from once he was done with these 3 more proctored surgeries. What that meant was they (the practice) had back in the spring switched to a newer band because (they said) the ones they had been using had been recalled.  Proctoring (in case you don't know) is when there is a rep from the new lap band company beside the surgeon during the procedure making sure the doc is doing it properly. For several reasons, (mostly because the date wasn't good for me), I switched docs to Dr. MacD who said (after doing his own endoscopy) I wasn't a good band candidate due to the bad hiatal hernia I have. It could be something like that (but if so, I would hope they would TELL you), or also, it's more cost effective for everybody (surgeon, OR and staff, etc.) for them to schedule more than one procedure on a given day.  It's rare that a doc does just one of these surgeries on a day.  They usually schedule an OR for a half or whole day and shuffle patients in and out. That's my personal experience so my disclaimer is that there may be entirely different reason(s) for your doc than this.  The questions you ask are good ones, but they need to be asked to your surgery coordinator cause they are the only ones who can tell you about their practice.  Ask questions before seeking another doctor.  It's just a little bump in the road for now... they probably have other patients in the pipeline the could schedule on that day if this other one doesn't work out.

Your are probably right!  I never thought about it being cost effective!  I was just disappointed because I wanted a surgery date so bad.  Now I am a little embarrassed for being so impatient!!  That is what I like about this board.  Check and balance! Thanks

I imagine that they need to do at least 2 surgeries to cover OR time and they need to wait until they have both available before they can book. I doubt that going to see another physician will really make any difference. I'd stick with your Dr. since you like him and his staff. That's worth a lot. I'm sure that the other approval will be in soon and you'll be getting a date in the near future. As soon as you do, please do let us know.

Barb

Thank you Ms. Barb  for helping me to keep my head level I will inform you when I get a date. Again thanks alot!

I can't wait!

B

No way.....that really sucks.  I have never heard of anything like that.  That is crazy.  If it isn't one thing it is another.  I have heard some of the craziest stuff that hold people up.  But, atleast you know your approved and it will happen.  Take the time to prepare yourself.  I wish you lots of luck.

 Hello Slhoffman your right is does gives me a little more time to think.  I just was not prepared to hear a had to wait longer. Best to look to you also we both will get what we desire.

We will.  I know that what that blow feels like.  They made me wait 6 months.  I will pray that yours will be a lot sooner than that.