What the Heck

 

Hello All,

Big news I'm approved (sort of)

 

Road block

 

I was approved for surgery in the end of October. In the approval papers there was a coverage approval date. From what I gather it’s a cut off date for surgery. Unfortunately my surgery was scheduled way past the coverage approval date of 12/21/08. I’m currently scheduled for Jan 27^th

 

I called my surgeon and he said that it’s routine and there’s nothing to worry about. I asked them to get something in writing from my insurance company. First they said they’ll get on it then they said they will take care of it a week before surgery. Then I called My Insurance Company, They said its nothing to worry about and the surgeons office should take care of the details. Please help anyone have any advice??

 

I included the approval papers. Please read and help

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c54/rockylinx/1aetna.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c54/rockylinx/2aetna.jpg

Hello-

You can trust your surgeon's office - there is nothing to worry about. Every insurance company does this - when they approve your surgery, they automatically assign you a date range without speaking with the surgeon's office who is actually scheduling your surgery. Before your surgery date, your surgeon's office will call and advise your insurance of the actual date of surgery. It is in their best interest to do so as well - as they will not get paid for their services if they do not do this. So, don't worry - this is a very typical process.

I managed a bariatric program for the last few years and so I'm very familiar with this process. Your surgeons office is probably calling after the first of the year since often times, plans change in the new year. So, when calling to verify your surgery date, they should also make sure nothing has changed on your plan. (ie - coverage, deductibles, limits, co-pay's, contracted facilities, etc). This will ensure that both you and they know what to expect as far as payment from your insurance company for the surgery.

Let me know if you have any questions - I'd be happy to help further! Best of luck to you!
Billie

Hello Billie,

Thank you so much for that info. I haven't been sure about anything due to the fact that is is out of my expertise. Once again thank you you really eased my mind.

Pete