Hey how long does this insurance stuff take?

I thought my info went to the insurance company a week ago today. I just found out it is still sitting on someones desk who assures me that it will go on Monday to Emory's precert dept and by Wednesday it should be at the insurance company. They assured me it was going out last week though. I am reay to burst into tears because they lead me on for a week. I am in knots about being approved. Other than being obese, the only other health issue is my depression. I am also having a revision to a banding I had in 1992. I am expecting to be denied so that I am surprised if they approve me. But for goodness sake how long does it take to hear back from the insurance company. I know of a person that took 8 months. I have BCBS of California even though I live in GA (long story). When I spoke to the precert dept with BCBS they said that if it is faxed to them it should only take about 3-5 business days. I know I need to be patient, but I guess I would not have freaked if they had been honest with me. I don't know........... Thanks for letting me vent... I guess I've calmed down now.........

Muan, Let me guess ... Sonya??? I am kinda sorta pre op at Emory too ... I had my pre approval package faxed to BCBS last Wed afternoon and was approved Friday afternoon but I am a different set of cir****tances ... I had Vertical Banded Gastroplasty done just about 12 years ago and have to have RNY now because I have 2 staple line disruptions, the band is corroded into my stoma (pouch) and I have a hole at the top of stoma allowing food and liquid to flow into the lumen (old stomach). Approval was a breeze, as long as you have them fax it urgent/stat. Otherwise it takes at least 10 - 15 working days plus. Apparently no one there at Emory was thinking I could get an approval before my insurance CANCELS bariatric benefits NEXT WEEK so when I came through with my approval I NOW find out DR Smith is OUT OF TOWN until the MIDDLE OF JULY. My approval becomes null and void as of MIDNIGHT next Thursday and NO SURGEON to do anything for me! So basically I am SOL and don't know WHAT is going to happen to me now. As per my GI if I don't have corrective surgery I am going to be dead within the next couple years and thanks to the 'elite' staff there I am so beyond screwed! But not every case is as fantastic as mine. There is a chance that my GI here can get me approved for a gastric operation (after my bariatric coverage is cancelled next week) due to the fact not that I have gained some of my weight back but I have lost 40 pounds since the New Year without trying, have a high elevated white count due to the foreign object (the band) in my stoma, I have had a fever since day before Memorial Day and the leakage could cause a massive infection in my system, that he needs to explore the internal reason why I am vomiting and have terrible diarrhea and am now on liquids only (a week today since solid food) Keep on them cause goodness knows they wont make sure it gets done. Shoot, we contacted them THREE months ago about the situation and they ***** footed around long enough in NOT helping us that it may be my demise!

Lisa, I am sorry to hear this situation happening now. Have to tried another surgeon??? There are many in Atlanta, and I am sure with your problem you could find one that will take you since they dont have to go to the process of the approving from insurance companies. Please keep us posted and you will continue to be in my prayers. D'Lynn

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I am MAD for you too. Even more than for myself!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your story. My mother always said that just a soon as you start feeling sorry for yourself there is another person in a situation that is worse than yours. I am sorry that has happened to you. Hey if your coverage runs out can you get COBRA which would continue your exact coverage you would have to pay more out of pocket however. If it gets close to "D-day" and you still don't have the results you "need", maybe go to Emory and see them face to face. I have decided to go myself next week if it comes to that. I promise I will be a good girl and tactfully and politely smile and get what I need done for the continuation of my life. It is sad because in general I have had a very good experience with Emory and the staff. I know that there is always that one person who hates their job and forgets that they are dealing with people and their lives and not just the contents of a file folder sitting in there in box. Thanks for the tip..I will tell them to mark it urgent (I don't know if that will happen but it is worth a try). I will keep you in my prayers. Also can you try the Georgia Insurance Commission? If your insurance is being cancelled for a reason beyond your control in the middle of an open case relating to life threatening health issues you may have rights the insurance company won't tell you. Insurance companies get scared when you bring up the insurance commission. Maybe they can tell you what your rights are as a patient. Please let me know what happens. Please take care and keep up the faith and the fight. We have too!!

Mornin, Just on for a quick minuet but wanted to post a reponse. As far as the insurance, we will still have BCBS, it's just that as of midnight the 30th the bariatric benefits of our package is being removed from our groups benefits so really no option there. Emory is still wanting to code it as bariatric surgery when in reality it is gastric repair surgery, being different. And driving down to ATL, there is no physical way to do it now that my health has declined so much. I know Rome isn't that far, about 65ish miles but on a good day I have the ability to drive four miles to Rome to run maybe a couple errands and get back home. And yes, they will pay for a procedure at the University of Alabama, providing that someone does know codes to get it approved as gastric surgery and not bariatric surgery. I guess at this point we have put all pur eggs in the basket of the surgeon who said what I am needing is not considered bariatric but gastric surgery. I'll write more later.