Question:
Getting a date before your actually approved.

I hear that a lot of people get a date for surgery before they are actually approved. Is this standared? Why would they give someone a date when they are not approved yet? Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 21, 2001)

August 21, 2001
Some insurances actually require a date before they'll approve it.
   — Elizabeth D.

August 22, 2001
<p><font color=purple>I ask the same question. It seems too scary to me. So many people get the date and count on it but it doesn't work out. I will not schedule a date for surgery until I have it in writting I'm approved. I've suffered enough on this merry-go-round we've all been on. No need to set myself up.</font><p>
   — Dawn R.

August 22, 2001
My doc did this. He says it helps move the insurance company along, and gets you into surgery faster. If you're not approved on time, the surgery is postponed, but he said that had only happened once.
   — mom2jtx3

August 22, 2001
I am 13 days post op and I, too had a date before approval. When I had my appt with the surgeons, we agreed upon a date and then I told my insurance company and the docs faxed the paperwork of necessity and tentative date scheduled and I was then approved. It was a bit nerve wracking to wait to hear of approval, especially knowing that I only had 2 weeks till the BIG day. However, it all worked out and I am officially on the other side.
   — ncgal

August 23, 2001
I had a surgery date scheduled at my first appointment. The office gave me a list of tests I needed to get done for the insurance and gave me numbers to call for appointments, and gave me about four weeks to get it all done. They then said it would take my insurance about two weeks from that time, so they counted out 6 weeks and made the appointment. I think it depends on how they run the office. The psych, nutritionist and gastroenterologist all work with the surgeon's office and faxed everything directly to them. They have a quick, reliable procedure which runs smoothly, so there isn't much of a risk. I think they also know pretty much which insurance companies approve quickly and which don't. They knew I had insurance that gave you no hassle--if your BMI is 40 or above you get approved. Not much risk. I am so greatful they did it this way. I saw my doctor and 6 weeks later it was all over.
   — blank first name B.