Question:
How long does it take for insurance approval?

I am just being ansy...I know that insurance (Pacificare HMO, Northern CA.) must go through the medical facility (PAMF). My Dr. was supposed to submit to insurance yesterday (most likely on Monday though-but I'll be realistic, It was almost 4pm when I spoke to the nurse). All of my other authorizations(to see the surgeon, etc.) thru the facility have been authorized in 48-72 hours. Is it possible for the approval for surgery to get authorized in the same amount of time? The nurse at the Drs office said 2 weeks. Just being impatient....    — ROCHELLE S. (posted on November 2, 2002)

November 3, 2002
Must be, 4 months!
   — jocelyn

November 3, 2002
I have Pacificare of Texas, they required a psych eval before approval. Fortunately I was aware of that and got that shortly after my initial consult with my surgeon. He received it from the psycoligist the same day Pacificare called his office to request it and faxed it immediately. 48 hours later we received the approval. The whole process took about a month.
   — dkinson

November 4, 2002
I have PacifiCare of Oklahoma and it has been 2wks since my surgeon visit. I called them today and they said that it was in the hands of the authorization group. I am ancy too becasue my surgeon told me it would be 2 wks too! I have kept detailed notes of all my phone calls to everyone concerning this surgery so I can remember what people have told me. I can't remember from day to day because I call the doctors office, my PCP's ofc, the insurance co, my bariatric coordinator, and they all seem to be named Stephanie! I can't keep them straight! You pray for me and I will pray for you, let me know what you find out.
   — Jane C.