Question:
Dr wont schedule consultation visit till insurance approves surgery

I am seriously considering a lap RNY and have gotten a referral from my PCP. I have gone to the initial class the surgeons group here requires everyone go to. It gives all the basic WLS info. Things like type of procedure, benefits, risks etc. I am about 90% sure this is the right thing for me to do, but am really having a hard time with the .5% mortality rate. I realize that is less than a 1% chance of death but it is still 1 in every 200 surgeries. Anyway, I wanted to meet the surgeon I am considering using. See if he is the one I want to go forward with, and ask him some questions like.. what is the mortality rate for him personally, for his group, for the Hospital he operates at. What are his specific techniques (size of pouch, length of intestinal bypass, etc) what are the post operative statistics for his patients (you get the idea.) Anyway, when I called to make the appointment, I was told they would not schedule that until I was already approved for the surgery by my insurance company. I explained that I needed this consultation to make my final decision, and they still insisted that I submit all the paperwork necessary to them so they could forward it to the insurance company for approval. This includes a full and extensive physical by my PCP. Is this unusual? should I be nervous about this? I dont want to waste mine, my PCP, and the insurance co.'s time if I decide this is not for me. What are your thoughts? All my research says these guys are the best in the state. should I just go ahead and get the approval? that could take a good 6-8 weeks before I can even talk to the surgeon. Thanks    — colleen M. (posted on January 5, 2002)

January 5, 2002
I would go ahead and seek approval. Then after your consultation, you can switch surgeons fairly easily. Usually, it requires a few documents submitted by the new surgeon. Just because you get approval, doesn't mean there's no turning back or changing your mind. I would let the surgeon's office work for your approval and if you are not satisfied with him, take your approval and go elsewhere! Shelley
   — Shelley.

January 5, 2002
When you have surgery and you die within 30 days (i think?) you have to be put in the statistics. Even if you had a great surgery 29 days ago and you get in a car accident, they still put you in the "death Stats". Ask your surgeon how many he has lost and what were the causes. However that kinda bites that you have to wait for insurance to approve before you can see the doc. I didn't have to go through that, good luck.
   — [Anonymous]