How Pushy Should I Be? ~ Update ~

Stay on top of it - which it sounds like you are doing pretty good about following up. In my experience (although with Vandy), was that I had to keep calling to make sure they got what they were supposed to. If they didn't, they are not going to call and tell you and you will be waiting days and or weeks to find out they never got it. So, you have to keep calling and staying on top of it yourself. I was at the point of making the copies myself and taking them to them by hand or faxing myself but luckily I didn't have to. It all came together. But you do have to call and confirm they get everything. Once they claim it is sent to your insurance, then you will have to call your insurance and confirm they got it. It is a lot of headache but worth it in the end.

This isn't even the insurance company requirement...just miscommunication between two doctor's offices. Thanks!

I will weigh in on this one... First of all, if I had to, I would go pick it up and walk it over myself. But I don't know if I'd be to that point in less than a week. But, I'm like you- things went really fast for me, and at the end, I was calling every day to see if I was approved (insurance). From my initial consultation to my surgery date was 2 days shy of 3 months. i didn't know how lucky I was!!! Secondly, and even more importantly, are the RESULTS of your sleep study. Have you been diagnosed w/ sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder? Because if you have, time is on your side! The longer you are treated for your sleep disorder prior to surgery, the better off your recovery will be. You don't want to be in such a hurry that you cut off your nose to spite your face. Which would you rather have: surgery a week from now, but then have a super-hard recovery OR surgery in 3-4 weeks, but recovery that's a breeze?  Last year I ended up being diagnosed w/ sleep apnea toward the end of July and started sleeping w/ a CPAP machine immediately. My surgery was then right after Labor Day - about 5 weeks later. My recovery was a breeze! (Lap. RNY - done by your wonderful dr - Dr. Spaw!!!) Sometimes it's hard to keep things in perspective... just my thoughts and experience...  ~ Tara

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and am using my CPAP.  This has been another blessing in this journey. From what I understand they are scheduling a month out right now.

I stayed on top of my case the entire time, and it really helped to get everything done. I contacted the Program Coordinantor or someone Dr. Richard's office nearly everyday, either by phone or email. I set up my psych evaluation, got my Cardiologist and PCP each to write a letter of support for my sugrery and faxed it to them, gathered medical records and took them to the Program Coordinator, etc.   I also contacted BC/BS once I was told my case was submitted to them for approval.  Be polite but firm, but track exactly where your case is in the process daily, or at least every 3 or 4 days.  Too many times there is a letter or part of a file sitting on someone's desk that needs to be signed or whatever and it brings the process to a halt until that person takes action. 

Friday I hand delivered the paperwork and Tuesday I called to make sure everything was good to go for the surgeon to look at it so I could get my date.  When I hadn't heard anything by today I called...and he is in Washington D.C. at a conference so he won't see it till next week. I have already postponed my appointment with my orthopedic once and I have another appointment next Wednesday.  If I don't have the date for my RNY by then I guess I will have to postpone it again.  If something doesn't happen soon I am going to have to have my knee procedure before my RNY which we were all trying to avoid!