Question:
Am I approved? Hospital calls?

Hello AMOS, One month ago I was given a surgery date of Dec.18th 2002. However, I had not received notification of prior approval. Today the hospital called me to get information from me. I was told "this information is to go into my chart". The kind lady on the phone congradulated me and went on to talk about people whom already had WLS. Does this mean I was approved? I am confused?    — Egypt Tashica R. (posted on December 9, 2002)

December 8, 2002
No, this does not mean you are approved. Hospitals routinly pre-register patients before surgery. You need to call your insurance company about the approval. The hospital is just trying to save you time when you do have your surgery.
   — Delores S.

December 8, 2002
Look on the back of your insurance card. There should be a customer service number. Call that number and ask them to fax or mail you a copy of your approval letter. If for some reason they cannot give you a copy of the letter then ask for the representatives name and note the date and time. All of these calls are recorded so you could verify this way if you absolutely had to. I'd prefer to have the letter in my hand though. The hospital is simply gathering info and they may do this prior to receiving your approval letter. You'll have more peace of mind of you verify with your insurance company.
   — ronascott