Question:
May I switch surgeons after being approved for the ins. co.

I HAVE BEEN APROVED FOR A LAP RNY SURGERY, SINCE MY INSURANCE IS NOT COVERING THE HOSPITAL 100%, MY EMPLOYER SUGGEST ME TO SWITCH TO ANOTHER IN-NETWORK SURGEON AND HOSPITAL. I HAVE UHC-PPO, DO I HAVE TO START ALL THE PAPERWORK AGAIN, OR MAY I JUST TRANSFER FROM ONE DR. TO ANOTHER.    — ROSALIA C. (posted on February 13, 2004)

February 14, 2004
I dont have your insurance; BUT I was 'considering' changing surgeons after I had been approved (I had Aetna) I called them... they told me that the 'proceedure' is what is approved. That if I changed surgeons; just have the surgeon call in with the 'same procedure' code... I would call your insurance company and ask. Hopefully they will work the same way.
   — star .

February 14, 2004
I had the same situation and I used all my labs and paperwork from the previous approval. Only my blood workup was repeated, which did not cause a problem so far.
   — Anna M.

February 14, 2004
Since you received an approval, you should still be OK to have the surgery, however, do have the insurance company give you an acceptance letter with all the new and correct physician and hospital information. My insurance company (UHC) said this was necessary so that when the invioces start coming in, they will have all the correct iformation on file. Just double check with your insurance.
   — saltybichon

February 14, 2004
I changed surgeons after my approval from UHC. It wasn't a big thing at all. The new surgeon contacted them and said she will be going to me now. End of story. Rebecca 10-03-01
   — RebeccaP