Question:
Can I switch surgeons after getting my insurance approval?

Has anyone had an Initial Consult had the paperwork submitted by that Doctor then wanted to switch doctors after approval...I kinda feel bad but the more I've researched WLS i've learned of many qualifed surgeons in my area and my initial consult was with BTC and the surgery would be 90 minutes away...Many doctors much closer...Does insurance frown upon this switch..Will new doctor have to submit request also...Insurer BCBS of Illinois..I'm new to this and any info would be greatly appreciated..    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 13, 2001)

January 13, 2001
I have BCBS of VA,so it may be a little different. But BCBS told me the approval was for the PROCEDURE, not a particular provider--as long as he/she was in the PPO network. You will need to call your PCP and get a referral letter to your new surgeon, so the office visits and surgery will be paid. Don't feel bad about switching--I did, and you have to be happy with your doctor and with the location. I really like my new surgeon but find the trip 3.5 hours alone pretty overwhelmng to contemplate re the pre-op procedures. I'll have to have the (grueling bowel) prep, then get up at 3am (no coffee or breakfast), drive 3.5 hours, have upper and lower endoscopy with sedation, then rest and drive back for work the next day. Avoid that if you can.---Jesse
   — Jesse M.

January 13, 2001
My insurer was BC/BS of Iowa, and the approval was for the procedure, not the surgeon. I switched and was very happy I did so. You'll want to check with your insurance provider of course; some plans have only certain physicians available to them. The most important thing is to find an experienced surgeon you like and can trust. Good luck to you!!
   — Kristy J.

January 13, 2001
I changed Dr's because they kept putting off my surgery. they changed my dates twice and the third time they said that they had no anethesologist (sp?). So I decided to cancell. Also the program director lied to me about the number of surgeries the the Dr had done so I decided that it would be in MY best intrest to change Dr's. You really need to do your home work! I thought that I had done mine well, but I didn't do it good enough. I called my insurance and told them the name of the new dr and that was that. good luck
   — Heather C.