Question:
Is it possible to get an insurance approval over the phone without the claim being processed?

I had my consult on 3-12-01, the office assistant said she was going to fax the infoover to my insurance company. The insurance company does not have my info in the system yet. Do I have to wait for it to be processed in the system before I know whether I have an approval yet. I want to call my doctors office and ask, but I dont want to be a pain in the behind. Is it possible to give an approval to the doctors office over the phone without the claim being processed yet in the computer? Someone please respond...I am so anxious to know!!!    — Ang B. (posted on March 14, 2001)

March 14, 2001
I too, am waiting on approval. The insurance worker at my doctor's office suggested that I contact the insurance company and find out where to fax a letter of medical necessity to them. I got a copy of what the doctor sent and faxed it to my insurance on a Sunday. My request was logged in the next day. The woman at the doctor's office said that I got it logged in about a week or two sooner than her documentation would have been based on her experience. However, now I am trying to wait patiently to let the insurance company go through their process. But I am calling to check the status on a weekly basis. Funny thing...everytime I speak with someone, I get different information. Good Luck and best wishes for speedy information!
   — Marsha N.

March 14, 2001
Yes Angie, it is possible. I have Aetna and Kim from my surgeon's office...called them and got an approval...I received my approval letter 4 days later. Good Luck, Karan
   — chance2lv