How Long Is Approval Process?

Ugh!  Due to insurance woes it looks like my time table for plastics is shot.  Our insurance just went nutty and we almost lost the whole darn policy through my husband's work.  We are okay for another year - our premium is ONLY going up by $2,600 for the year! - but we'll be in the same boat in May 2010.  So getting plastics done in summer of 2010 is out  - gotta get what we can done yet this year (due to deductible already being paid) and certainly by May 2010.

I've been told that a breast reduction and lift will be covered due to my shoulder bones being indented, on-going pain in my right lower shoulder blade and upper back pain when standing for long periods of time. 

Having insurance pay for any portion of a LBL is up in the air; one plastic surgeon told me I have a good shot based on the pictures he took and my skin complications (vaginal yeast infection, vaginal itching, skin breakouts between my thighs, etc.).  Another plastic surgeon's office (who is known for doing beautiful work on former SMO weight loss patients) told me that they've never had insurance pay for anything weight loss related.  I suspect that they don't fight the insurance companies very hard - why take the insurance discounted rates if you can get cash in hand from your patients?  However, I haven't met with this plastic surgeon yet, so we will see.

My question is how long does the insurance process take if I have to appeal?  I'm thinking start the process for a September/October surgery and go again November/December!  Eegads - I hate the thought of that.  I need boobs done, LBL and thigh lift.  I'd like to get my arms done - but not going to sweat it if I don't.

Any thoughts?

From the time mine was submitted we had an answer in two weeks, we had to send in more information, that went in on March 31, and we had approval on April 8.  I will have my thighs done on June 17th, with Dr Tad Heinz here in Colorado Springs.

I had my surgery done right when I lost 100 lbs., I know my WLS surgeon would like us to wait a while,    but I was losing my insurance, so I had to have it done then. My PS submitted it and within a week it           was approved, good thing because I already was scheduled. Good luck, push to get it done,  you will      love it!!