Question:
NEED HELP!!!! 6 MONTH INSURANCE APPROVAL!!!!!!

MY INSURANCE GAVE ME A SIX MONTH APPROVAL FROM JUNE 10TH TO DEC. 10TH TO HAVE THE SURGERY. I DON'T HAVE MY FIRST CONSULT UNTIL DEC. 2ND WHICH MEANS I WON'T BE ABLE TO HAVE THE SURGERY UNTIL NEXT YEAR SOMETIME. I EXPLAINED THIS TO THE LADY AT THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SHE SAYS THAT HE IS THE ONLY DOCTOR THAT THEY HAVE FOR THIS TYPE OF SURGERY. I FEEL SO DISAPPOINTED THAT I JUST WANT TO FORGET ABOUT THE SURGERY ALTOGETHER. HAS ANYONE ELSE BEEN GIVEN ONLY A 6 MONTH APPROVAL? IF SO, IF YOU WERE NOT ABLE TO HAVE THE SURGERY WITHIN THAT 6 MONTHS, DID THE INSURANCE STILL PAY FOR IT?    — CAPETRA J. (posted on July 27, 2003)

July 27, 2003
My insurance approval was not submitted until after the initial consult with the surgeon. I had however reviewed the insurance companies coverage packet before hand and then made the appointment with the physician. I was approved last week but was advised it was a 90 day approval only. Luckily the surgeon I am using does not have a long wait list but when I asked them what happens if the surgery is delayed (i.e. something with additional testing or medical problem comes up) what they do I was told is submit the request again with the same qualifications as previously and that usually there is no problem.
   — SassySamara

July 27, 2003

   — mlovesh

July 27, 2003
FEAR NOT...This is very common. In fact, I believe most Approvals are for a limited amount of time. I've seen this question before with many replies and they all seemed to say don't worry. Your surgeon will get an extension or re-approval or something.
   — Donya P.

July 28, 2003
Yep, The same thing happened to me. Only mine was for 60 days only. When the time ran out, I got my surgeon and PCP involved to start the process over again. I only took a couple of months to be approved again. I am pre-op, surgery scheduled 8/22/03. Best wishes and good luck to you.
   — Bob M.

July 28, 2003
My insurance had a 'date' time limit too; all that was required (we posposed twice) was the doctor's office called and 'rescheduled' the date' THEY DID NOT have to start all over again
   — star .

July 28, 2003
The 6 month thing is pretty standard. I would get on a cancellation list with the surgeon and if in a few months you haven't been moved up I would write and ask for an extension. Worst case is they would require you to go through the approval process again, but hopefully would just want some updated statistics to reapprove. The other option is to find another surgeon who will get you in sooner because you already have approval. Getting the approval is usually the longest delay and usually something that isn't even submitted for until you have seen the surgeon. Obviously your's was done in a different order. You never know if your policy etc. might change for next year. I would push with a different surgeon rather than gamble.
   — zoedogcbr