Question:
How long is the approval Period for Medicare as a primary ins?

I have Medicare as primary insurance due to disability, and Blue Cross Blue Shield as secondary. My surgeon's office has sent in paperwork, how long does it usually take to get answered? Does anyone know the insurance code for lap rny?    — Dorothy B. (posted on July 8, 2001)

July 8, 2001
It took me just about a month. I have medicare as primary and Blue Cross Blue Shield Capital Care as secondary. After much worry on my part, I found out that Medicare does not pr-approve. However my surgery was 4/2/01 and I have had no problems with any billing. Pat Sizemore GOOD LUCK
   — Pat S.

July 8, 2001
I agree with the below post..Medicare does not pre-approve and BC/BS will follow suit and pay their portion once Medicare pays their part.. You won't have any problems getting Medicare to pay as long as you're surgery is a medical necessity. I documented all my weightloss attempts and failures, then got a referral to a WLS surgeon, and then my surgeon sent in a letter documenting all my co-morbities. All of which met their guidelines and I was set to go..
   — Victoria B.

July 8, 2001
I had my surgery in June and had no problem with Medicare. They told me at the doctor's office that with medicare we didn't need to be preapproved.
   — Janet P.