Question:
how long between referral and surgery date?

i was wondering how long it takes from the time your pcp submits the referral to the insurance company till your actual surgery date?    — lovli27 (posted on April 16, 2006)

April 16, 2006
It all depends on how long the insurance company takes to approve your surgery, and how long of a waiting list your surgeon has. My insurance company approved my surgery in a week and a half, but I called them several times, that may have sped them up, then it my surgeon had a 3 week waiting list. So I'd say from the time it was submitted until the time of my surgery date it was about 5-6 weeks.
   — bhappy1415

April 16, 2006
It all depends on how long the insurance company takes to approve your surgery, and how long of a waiting list your surgeon has. My insurance company approved my surgery in a week and a half, but I called them several times, that may have sped them up, then it my surgeon had a 3 week waiting list. So I'd say from the time it was submitted until the time of my surgery date it was about 5-6 weeks.
   — bhappy1415

April 16, 2006
Hi Tina, Beth is right; it depends on your insurance company. But I believe asked about a time frame from PCP - Surgery versus when your surgeon submits for authorization. I got my initial referral Nov 2, Went to my surgeons required nutrition seminar Nov 15, Had my psych eval Nov 17, went to my surgeons required surgery seminar Dec 6, I had my one on one consult with my surgeon, Dec 20, at which point he felt I was a good candidate for surgery and he scheduled me for Jan 18 surgery date. He then submitted all required documentation to my insurance company for surgery authorization and received approval in 2 days. So from Referral Date to surgery Date was 2 1/2 months. I hope this helps.
   — Tiff's On a Mission

April 17, 2006
I would say under one year. alot of insurance companys want supervised diets also
   — barbie12

April 17, 2006
Going into getting the RNY as I wanted I knew the my Insurance Company (Humana Gold Plus/Medicare) would require the 6 Month Doctor Supervised Diet. So After I had the initial Consultation with my Surgeon (Dr.Rehnke) and he put me on a Super Atkins Diet with No Carbs at all (well very little some got in weekly) During these past 6 Months it gave me time to get other Tests, Doctor Visits and after care all set up. Within the one week after completing the Diet I saw my PCP on a Monday. Thursday of that week they Submitted the Letters & anything else that felt nessecary. Friday afternoon I was Approved. Monday morning following my surgeon's office called with a date for the surgery (May 10th, 2006 - about 30 days) this is giving me time to do the Optifast Liquid diet which besides shrinking my Liver (which they'll have to move over to get to my stomach) I'll lose another 30 - 50 pounds. Making it even safer to have my Surgery. That takes two weeks. One week before the actual Surgery I'll see my PCP for last minute tests such as Blood Works, EKG, Chest Xray to receive "Medical Clearence". Two days before the Surgery Date I'll see my Surgeon for any last minute Questions. And then it'll Happen. I'm waiting pateintly. Mike
   — Michael Eak

April 18, 2006
I was lucky, I have UnitedHealthcare and it was 3 weeks until my surgery date from my initial visit and when they submitted everything to in insurance. I understand other insurance companies are different.
   — tonifrisina