Question:
I have a question about Pre-op testing.......

My Dr. has sent me paper work for pre-op testing. Some of the tests are not covered by my insurance which is okay. But what I'd like to know is, should I get approval for the surgery before I spend the money on all the pre-op testing? I am just curious as to what to do? Does anyone else have experience with this? I don't want to go through all the testing and then be told I don't qualify. Thank you. I am having a LAP RNY I hope if my insurance covers it....Also one more quick question about surgery codes, is it true that the LAP and OPEN procedure have the same surgery codes? I think my insurance company sees LAP as experimental (United Health Care POS). Thanks and sorry for all the questions.    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 14, 2002)

February 14, 2002
Hi, I have United Healthcare Select POS and they would only cover open. I got approval in just 3 days. All of my pre-op test were covered. My surgeon only does open so that was ok for me. The nurse at UHC told me it was the safest was why that was what they covered. Now, I don't know about that, but that is what they told me.
   — terrifogle40

February 14, 2002
I would never get pre-op testing without authorization. I work for a hospital and we do not send out papers for tests unless we know what is authorized and where it can be done.
   — SAMANTHA B.

February 14, 2002
I have a catch22: I'm required to have the preliminary tests (sleep study, endoscopy, blood work, chest x-ray, and EKG) BEFORE they will authorize the surgery. I'm told by my PCP that once they review this, they can deny the surgery and I will have to pay for all these tests myself. I was also told that these tests are covered based on the fact that the insurance company recognizes the medical necesity of the surgery in my situation. I'm going ahead with the tests and keeping my fingers crossed for the best.
   — Monica W.

February 14, 2002
My surgeon used a reason on my pre-op testing such as chest pains for the EKG and problems for the gall bladder ultrasound! Hope that works
   — elifritz