Barker's Office says I have to start approval all over???

So I tried to switch surgeons today and Dr. Barker's insurance lady stated that I will have to start the approval process all over again. Why would I have to do that?  Dr. Stewart's insurance lady said it is as simple as just switching the surgeon on the approval at the insurance company. Two different explanations. Let's see what BCBS has to say about it. 

Does anyone know about this or have they had to do this?

i switched surgeons at the very end..  i did have to re-submit under the new surgeon..  however i didn't have to start the 6 month and all teh other pre-req's all over. 

i don't think she knows what she is talking about

Update: I have to resubmit the weight history and PCP letter but I can actually just have it all transferred from Dr. Barker's office over. They do have to resubmit everything and it has to be approved again so there is always the possibility of denial but that if it was approved once already it will more than likely not take long to approve it again. I will fax her the information later. 

The one thing that got me riled was that the lady from Dr. Barker said that I am making a mistake because Dr. Barker is the leading surgeon for revisions in Texas. I started to say...you do realize that Dr. Stewart is the one who taught him, right? I kept my mouth shut though. They are nice people and I do not want to burn any bridges. Dr. Barker is a great surgeon but I want the best for revisions which is Dr. Stewart. 

You held your tongue way better than I would have.

She's trying to hang onto you as a patient, since ultimately the patients pay her salary. (*grin*)

Call your insurance company inform yourself!

I did just that and I do have to resubmit all the paperwork part such as PCP letter and weight history. The other stuff will transfer over. I do have to be approved all over again. =/

Well hope everything goes well for you good luck

Always follow the money.  They were trying to keep you.

And you made the right choice.

After my initial approval, I decided to switch surgeons and my employer switched insurance providers at the same time.  I had my new surgeon to re-submit all of my paperwork along with my original approval letter.  Received my new approval in less than 2 weeks!