a little frustrated, hoping you can set my mind at ease.

When I saw Dr Pohl on the 24th ,he told me my insurance authorization would go in that day,but then when I called a few days later to check on it, Carol told me they had to get them transcribed before sending and it would take a few days. I can understand that, no problem.  I figured today when I called the insurance company that they would be able to give me an answer because they had told me previously that it only takes about 72 hours to get a decision.  but to my dismay, they told me that it hasnt even been submitted yet!   I called Dr Pohls office and asked to talk ot Carol but they said shes scheduling surgeries and would have her call me back. I'm getting frustrated now, Dr Pohl said I was looking at first of Nov for surgery but I see that slowly slipping away. For those of you using Dr Pohl, what kind of time did it take for you to get your paperwork sent in to insurance?  Sorry, but this is starting to get to me now.

Wow Angela, you are starting to sound like me.....I know it is frustrating.  It will happen, I promise.. Huggs, Jen

Hi Angela:

I completely understand how frustrating it is when you are submitting the information to your insurance company. I have Dr Giovanni, but obviously deal with the same people in the office. It took a while, probably about 2-3 weeks. The letter has to be written, then the Dr has to sign off on it, then they have to get all of the test results and other information together and then the either mail or fax it to the insurance company.

I have BCBS of GA and the insurance company received it and denied it within 72 hours. I decided to send in an appeal. I asked for all of the paperwork that BCBS was requesting and I picked it up at Dr Giovanni's office. I wrote a letter myself and I faxed everything to BCBS myself. I was approved within 48 hours.

What insurance company do you have?

I began my process in January of this year and I am having my surgery on October 23rd. Its been a long road, but I am sure that its going to be worth it.

Please keep me posted. If you need any information on how to deal with the office, please let me know...I have become an expert!

Talk to you soon.

LB

Hi Laura I have BCBS HMO Blue New England, I work in MA, and the insurance is MA, but apparently since I live in RI and my PCP is in RI, it goes through BCBSRI.  I dont think I would be as frustrated, but the woman in Dr Pohls office told me it would go over that day, and then I spoke to Carol and she told me by Friday of last week and here we are almost a full week later and it still hasnt been sent over. I guess it shouldnt really bother me that much, but it does. Maybe its the nerves from the EGD tomorrow, who knows. Oh, and Carol never did call me back, but that doesnt really surprise me . I'll wait, get the EGD done tomorrow and call next week to schedule my follow up with Dr Pohl. I'm not very optimistic about the beginning of November now, but I guess I can still hope theres a chance.  You must be getting excited about yours, its coming quickly!

Yea, it doesnt surprise me either that she didnt call you back. I have been through the same thing. Dont worry...everything will work out. BCBS of RI is really really great about approving WLS.

I was in the office this Monday and they are definitely really busy...but I still think that they should make time for the patients who call.

I called today with a question and was asked to call back tomorrow because they had office hours for 2 Dr's today...I hope that doesnt happen if I have a complication after the surgery.

Keep me updated..... and yes, I am excited but much much more nervous!

LB

There are multiple people in the office that should be able to tell you if the your paperwork has been sent.  Don't call specifically for Carol.  I had a slight delay because they were waiting for something from my GP.  Once I called my GP's office to confirm it was sent I called Dr Pohls office and all of my stuff was submitted.  About a week later I had my answer.....