Question:
New Start (St.L) How long from start to surgery?? I got 2 dif stories..

I was hoping that someone that had their WLS through New Start could give me an idea of how long it takes them to do their part. I talked to them on Thursday and they tell me it will take till the middle or end of next week to type ONE letter. My insurance already told me that wls is covered and that it sounded like I had med necessity and not to worry. All I have to do is wait for New Start to get moving. So minus the wait for ins approval, how long will it take to get through New Start red tape to get a date? This waiting game is killing me. Once a person decides to do this, the waiting time seems to go SOOOO slowly.    — cherokey55 (posted on April 13, 2002)

April 13, 2002
I went to the required seminar at New Start the first of March 2001. Within 2 weeks the letter was sent to the surgeon then on to my insurance company. New Start did a good job of getting letter out. The delays were with Dr.'s office and insurance. Had surgery April 17, 2001. I remember well the waiting game. It's miserable!! But when things started happening it went very quick.
   — Randy L.

April 15, 2002
I used New Start. It took 2 weeks from them receiving all of my history before a letter was composed and sent to my insurance company for approval. Be sure you know WHO at your insurance company needs to see the letter for approval. I found in my instance that the Care coordinator for the KC Metro area would be giving approval. I sweet talked her name and # from a clerk, then proceeded to contact her and explain what the letter from New STart would have in it and why I needed surgery. I think it only took 2 days after talking to her and getting her fax# to ensure the paperwork went to the right place before I had my approval! Best of luck and please be patient. It will all be worth it. email me if you need someone to talk to.
   — Ginger J.