Question for Paul and/or Gary?

My "letter of medical necessity" has been submitted to the insurance company, and I finally got the insurance company to verify that they received the letter on Feb. 22nd.  They tell me that it will be between 1 and up to 4 weeks before they can give me an answer.  My question is, my policy states that I need to contact them "at least 7 days prior to an inpatient stay, or the scheduled outpt procedure.  (that's today)  Can I pressure them into an answer now, or do they have the right to drag their feet, even thought the policy says "7 days"?  My surgery is scheduled for March 12, and I'm sweating bullets.   Thanks in advance.

One more question.  What's the difference between "pre-authorization" and "pre-determination" of benefits?  I contacted the Texas Department of Insurance, and they have encouraged me to file a complaint with them.  I called my insurance company and told them this, and they said they have 20 days.  What to do?

Hi Paul.  Well, I wasn't able to motivate my insurance company to move any faster with the suggestions you gave.  They say they have 22 days to answer, and it seems like they are going to take 22 days, not a day sooner.  I guess I am going to have to take a deep breath and wait.  Boy, is this ever a lesson for me in finding new coping mechanisms for stress....usually I eat.  Now, since I'm doing the pre-surgery low fat, I have to fret and pace.  I hope pacing counts as exercise!