Waiting for insurance notification

I don't mind pestering the insurance company, but I sure don't want the doctor's office staff to think I'm a pain in their backsides before I even get approved and get to see the doctor. However, it's been almost three weeks and my insurance company hasn't gotten a thing from the doctor's office yet, although I was told by my surgeon's insurance person that she has everything she needs. Should I keep pestering her, or just wait and be patient? I'm really trying to be patient, but I am absolutely obsessing about this surgery! It is on my mind 24-7, and I think my family and close friends are getting tired of hearing me talk about it. I know that lots of people are waiting for approval, and it's a very busy office. And I know that I am very, very fortunate to have two different insurance companies and that both of them will OK the surgery so my cost share will be almost nothing. But once I get the approval from one insurance, I have to jump through the same hoops for our secondary insurance company. I just don't know what I can do to move things along, and I am soooo frustrated. What to do? -- Nancy Schaffer

Based upon the people that have shared their experiences with me, it takes about 4-6 weeks for most doctor's staff to process the paperwork. Unfortunately, the individual is usually overworked and has a thousand of us calling. (which doesn't help the situation) I actually think the anxiety from waiting during while your paperwork is being processed is the hardest part of the whole ordeal.

Hi I called my doctor about three days after my visit and she stated that she had faxed the paper work to my insurance. I called the insurance and found out that the fax number and person did not exist. I would continue to follow up at least once a week. Good Luck. I am still waiting approval to. edwina