Question:
Has anyones surgeon gave them a surgery date before getting it approved?

I saw my surgeon for the first time last Friday 1/24/02..He said he feels that I am in need of this surgery. He wants to do a scope test this Friday 2/01/02.To check for ulcers in my stomach. After that he will give me a surgery date and then get approval for the sugery.He claims my insurance is a tough one to have this done through. He told me be prepared to fight for it. I will..but wondering why..if its so hard to get approval from my insurance(MED-PLUS)then why set a date? Has anyone had a surgery date before approval?    — Debbie S. (posted on January 28, 2002)

January 28, 2002
I used to work for an insurance company and it was common for the Dr office to set dates prior to the appropriate time. It is just a way to get he ball rolling. Most billers in medical settings are very competent. It is a hard job! Offer to help in any way you can, it will make the process go quicker and smoother if you are in touch!
   — Rachael B.

January 28, 2002
Yes, I was scheduled a surgery date before my insurance gave the "ok"... of course my surgeon never said it was going to be a problem, in fact he was just the opposite - he said I was a classic text book example and would have no problems at all and to not even worry about it... Good luck in getting your date and your approval!!!
   — Kellie Jo B.

January 28, 2002
Hi, I had my first consult on 11/7/01, and they said I was a good candidate also. Then on 11/15/01 they sent my surgery date! I thought, GREAT, I must be already approved! I got a letter from my insurance company on 12/19/01 saying I was approved, so YES, my surgery date was scheduled BEFORE insurance approval was received.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 28, 2002
Yes, my surgery was scheduled before the insurance gave approval. I was a good candidate and we were pressured for time because of my work schedule. I had a small window to play with when the office would be closed and I wouldn't have to miss time. So we scheduled to save the date. It was approved with no problems.
   — [Anonymous]

January 29, 2002
Yes. I was given my surgery date (12/4/01) at my consultation appointment (8/17/01). Because of the long wait, they knew they had plenty of time for me to get my other consultations done and insurance approval. I didn't get insurance approval until November. If they had waited for approval, I would still be a pre-op.
   — Cyndie K.

January 30, 2002
I had a surgery date long before I had insurance approval. Actually I got my date the same day as my initial consultation. They took care of all of the paperwork and I didn't know that I was approved until 3 weeks before my surgery. Either way the waiting is soooo hard!! Good luck to you. Vicki Mize
   — vmize