Question:
Is it normal for a surgeon to order pre-op testing before??

I had my consult with my surgeon today and she has already order some of my pre-op testing (sleep study heart and lung work up). She also stated she wants me to have all of my testing done within 3 weeks so she can schedule surgery asap. What I am wondering is is this normal before getting insurance approval? does this mean she know's something I don't. Thanks everyone!! God Bless everyone:)    — Angie H. (posted on April 18, 2002)

April 17, 2002
Your surgeon is just trying to get everything done in a resonable amount of time. Also if your insurance turns you down (if you have read this board you know this sometimes happens) he will have documented answers. I think most large people hav sleep apnea and loose it after they loose some weight. But without the sleep study the insurance company doesn't beleive it ---- Good Luck
   — Robert L.

April 18, 2002
Yes many docotors require a series of tests prior to submitting a request to the insurance compaay. With my first surgeon - who I later parted ways with - I had to see seven doctors and have a nuclear stress test, gallbladder ultrasound, pulmonary functions test and chest x-ray, psychological evaluation, meeting with a nutritionist, a colonoscopy and endoscopy, prior to meeting with him for a second time. A few days after that second visit, I got my date. However, even with a date, my docs office didn't submit for insurance approval until 6 weeks later, which was about 2 weeks before the surgery date. So, all in all, it can be a little disconcerting going throuh all of these steps when you don't even know if you are going to be able to have the surgery. But, when that day finally did come - months later - it was comforting to know that my heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and digestive tract were a-okay!
   — PaulaM

April 18, 2002
I had my consultation with the surgeon, he gave me doctor's order sheet for tests to be completed at the hospital where he does surgery. I live a good ways from this hospital and I was worried if insurance didn't approve me after all these tests, I might have to pay for them myself out of pocket. I asked him could he work with me and let me get all the test he required done through my PCP, he said sure no problem, he just needed the info and it really didn't matter which doctor required the tests. My PCP agrees that I need the surgery, so we ran all the test through her office, and my insurance covered them all. What's the hurry, slow down and cover your butt! I've been researching this surgery for over 9 months, I could wait a few more weeks to make sure all the test required would be done, but not be required to be paid for by ME. Jo-Dee Hortz
   — tinyjo

April 18, 2002
At my Surgeons information seminar they give you an orientation packet complete with a list of tests they require before they even schedule a consultation. I just took my list to my PCP (I did not even make an appointment, just faxed them the list then picked up my lab slips) my insurance paid for all the tests and the labs faxed all the results to the surgeons office. It took a couple of months to get all the tests scheduled and done, but once they were done and I had my consult , everything went lickity split.
   — Danielle M.