Question:
Is this an approval letter or not?

I received a letter from my insurance company stating it was a verification of benefits and that is was valid for 90 days from the date issued. Is this an approval letter to go ahead with the surgery or is this another step in the journey. My surgeon hasn't recieved his yet but it says that he would received a copy as well. My insurance company is EPOCH. If anyone could help would appreciate it    — micheeta (posted on February 13, 2003)

February 13, 2003
I've gotten letters like that in the past and so far, each time they covered the surgeries. So it sounds good.
   — Danmark

February 13, 2003
When in doubt...CALL! Don't chance it. Make sure you record who you spoke to and the date.
   — ZZ S.

February 13, 2003
I got the same letter and I am having my surgery on 3/21 and its covered, so sure that is what yours means to. Remember if in doubt call. Good Luck
   — Diana B.

February 13, 2003
I have BC/BS. They must type up the same letter. Very obtuse. I called and asked for a verification of the letter. I could hear the girl tapping on the keyboard, a moment of silence....and then she said.."well, it says you are approved!" Like everyone said, "if in doubt, call!"
   — jimgarrison

February 13, 2003
You could fax your copy to the doctor and ask them if you don't want to call the insurance office. The dr's office should be experienced in the various types of approval letters they get and can tell you if that letter is typical. Hospitals have so many departments, that sometimes it does take several more days until he actually receives the letter the insurance office sent him. That's why faxing it really helps. It sounds like an approval, but again... ask someone who is experienced. Good luck!
   — Diane S.

February 14, 2003
My approval letter arrived monday, my dr. did not receive theirs by wed. so I faxed it. It sounded alot like yours-it did not say you are approved, it said we have established the gastric bypass is a covered benefit/procedure.I called the insurance company and they said it was approved.Good Luck-Tonya
   — Tonya M.