Insurance help RE: Dr. Bucklew

Are there any patients of Dr. Bucklew's who can give me some helpful hints regarding all the insurance information that is needed for approval. I spoke with another doctor today and they wouldn't even give me an appt for a consultation without have prior approval for the surgery! I have just made the decision for this surgery (which was a hard decision), and I really want this journey to be as smooth as possible. I read on some of the messages, where the doc's offices handle the insurance end of it. Any help would be appreciated.