Letters Of?

I am in the process of gathering all of my paperwork and my sup. diet but I have a question. My insurance BCBS of NJ stated that the first thing I  needed to do was send in a letter of pre-determination.   My surgeon said that I needed to have my sup diet done and then they would send over all the information to the insurance, but we could not do anything until my 6 mos diet was over and then send in for approval.

I am so confused because I have heard of

-letter of pre-determination -letter of pre-approval -letter of approval What is the difference in these and do I need to be doing something else except just wait and let my surgeons office handle things?  I want to be proactive and get things done correctly but honestly I feel so lost and confused Any help would be appreciated. ~Kristi

I really think all 3 of those are just different ways of saying the same thing.  My surgeon's office told me they were sending off for my preapproval, but when I called the insurance company to check on the status of my preapproval, they told me it was in the predetermination department.  It makes no sense to send off for it, though, until you have all of their requirements done.  They would just deny you if you did.  So yes, finish your diet requirements and anything else they require and your surgeon will send it all off for you. 

In the meantime while you are waiting, research.  Ask questions.  Read other people's questions and answers.  You will learn something new everyday.  Read about all of the surgery options out there, learn about what kind of vitamins you will need after, what kind of post op foods will work for your surgery, how many proteins you need for a day, etc. 

The waiting is the worst part, isn't it?  It will be here before you know it.

Hi! It is confusing because different insurances have different lingo.  Letter of pre-determination, pre approval or pre-authorization - Your surgeon sends ltr requesting approval for the surgery.  Are all the same. Letter of approval is the response from the insurance approving or denying the procedure.  & let us not forget the Pre-certification, which is done after approval when you have your date for surgery, it is for your inpatient hospital stay. If you've done your 6 mos the next step is that your surgeons office sends everything off to the insurance, which is where I am at right now.  The waiting is killing me....  I've call BC 3 times, & the office 2 times.  They are going to get sick of me.  ha ha.  Hope this helps.   Kerri