Question:
WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG 4 THE DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A SURGERY DATE AFTER YOUR APPROVAL

I WAS TOLD BY MY SURGEONS OFFICE AFTER OUR INSURANCE APPROVED US THAT IT WOULD BE 3-4 WEEKS FOR US TO HAVE OUR SURGERY. THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS AND STILL NO CALL FROM THE DOCTORS OFFICE FOR A SURGERY DATE. WHAT AM I TO DO?    — LISA R. A. (posted on August 17, 2003)

August 16, 2003
My surgeon has a 6-8 MONTH waiting period once you receive ins. approval. Why not give the office a call and ask (nicely) about when you will be hearing from them regarding your surgery date. Good Luck!
   — j D.

August 17, 2003
Your doctor's office must coordinate their schedule with the hospitals operating room schedule. I know it's hard to have patience, but your day will come then you'll be thinking about your last meal. (Smile) Good luck!
   — Starrlina

August 17, 2003
Lisa, 3-4 weeks is actually an unbelievably short wait! Most hospitals have at least a 4-10 month wait. I think that although it might seem frustrating at times, waiting is actually in your favor. It allows you time to be fully researched and prepared, start going to support groups and making the lifestyle changes you will need to continue after surgery. Don't be in such a rush, these changes will be for the rest of your life!
   — Martha K.

August 17, 2003
I know that it is hard to wait, but really, 3 to 4 weeks is nothing. Depending on the size of the office that you are dealing with, there may be only one person working on scheduling. Not only does that person have to deal with your case, but also with many, many other impatient people out there. If you do feel the need to call, please be nice to them because there are so many others that are just like you waiting. Believe me, in the whole scheme of things, 3 to 4 weeks will seem soooooo small after you have a date and then all of a sudden your date is here. Good luck
   — Kerri 4.

August 17, 2003
Be patient! I was approved in February of 2002 and didn't have my surgery until May 3, 2002. It was a long wait but now it's just a distant memory and was well worth the wait. :o)
   — Jennifer A.

August 17, 2003
Man am I glad mine isn't 4-10 months or I would have to get approval all over again.....LOL I only have 90 days!
   — Saxbyd

August 17, 2003
I was wondering how long as well. Hubby and I just received out insurance approval letters in teh mail. Now we are anxiously waiting a call from the doctor's office...but I fear that it will be some time next year before we get a date.
   — Pookie B.

August 18, 2003
I think every surgeon works differently. I was given a date for surgery at the end of my consult. It was 2 months after the consult. The doctors usually have a good idea if you are going to be approved if they have worked with your insurance company before. Another important factor is how much operating time the doctor has at the hospital, and still another factor is how many surgeons a there are in your area, which affects how long the waiting is for consults AND surgery.
   — Fixnmyself