Call or Wait??

My packet was sent to Empire BC/BS on April 13th.  I emailed them on the 20th to confirm they received it - which they did.  They told me it could take up to 30 business days to make a decision and I would receive something in writing.  Should I call them to check on the status of the review or should I wait until I receive something in the mail?  The anticipation is killing me!!!!!!

Call.  It is common for them to give you a different story each time you call.  This way you'll make sure they actually are reviewing the case.

I just got off the phone with the Medical Manager reviewing my case.  She was very nice and just had RNY done in December.  She told me that Empire BC/BS won't approve LapBand surgery for anyone who has a BMI over 50, but they do approve for Gastric Bypass.  She did say that her telling me that wasn't an official denial, but it doesn't look good for approval.   Gary - Depending on the reason they give me for denial in letter form, is this appealable?  What steps do I need to take to start an appeal process?  I live in Florida, but the insurance is out of New York.  Any advice or help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

It is appealable, AND the insurance being out of NY is a great thing.

I am just beginning the LB process and also have Empire.  I am doing a lot of research right now while I am waiting on my appointments.  Just curious as to why it is a great thing for Empire to be in NY.

Gary, How do I get the appeal process ready to go.  I called the Medical Manager again today and they faxed a form to my surgeon's office to have them fill something out.   I just spoke to the insurance specialist at my surgeon's office and she warned me that the insurance problaby won't cover LapBand and has never had a situation where insurance denied coverage because someone had a BMI too high.  She has fought and won several cases where someones BMI was too low and won, but she didn't know what to do for someone who has too high of a BMI.