Question:
To bug or not to bug the insurance company?

Hi guys. My surgeon's office said she submitted my request for approval last Tuesday (so about a week). She said she should have an answer for me by Thursday. I am getting anxious!!!! Should I call the insurance company already or be a little more patient?    — emilyfink (posted on May 6, 2002)

May 6, 2002
BUG BUG BUG.....persistance is the key when it comes to insurance! Just call them everyday and try to speak to the same person. Make yourself become a name and a person instead of just another # and policy to them. Good Luck, Maria
   — Maria S.

May 6, 2002
BUG THEM TWICE A DAY!!!
   — tylerswife

May 6, 2002
I called my insurance company almost every other day. I only had one person that seemed irritated at me. I am sorry, but that is their job. To answer our questions. I also called the insurance rep at BTC. As someone once said, the squeeky wheel gets oiled. So do not be afraid to call them. Sometimes they get busy and it is easy to overlook some ones paperwork-or for it to be put on a back burner-so definately call them. Good Luck.
   — Carolyn L.

May 6, 2002
Definitely bug them. My surgeon's office faxed the papers... I waited a week and called and Cigna said they didn't have anything (lost in the shuffle I guess). I called my surgeon's office, informed them, they refaxed, and all was well. Also remember that it's not like you'll be talking to anyone who's making the decision when you call... so don't be afraid to bother them. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 6, 2002
DEFINTELY bug them! I found out that even though my doc's office SAID they faxed the report, it had not been received by my insurance company. Had I not followed up, it would have taken longer to get the approval!!! Good luck!!!!
   — KathieInHawaii

May 6, 2002
Don't be a bug be a Pit Bull!!! Get a hold of them and don't let go. Call everyday maybe 2-3 times a day! After 3 appeals and 15 months I got my WLS. Good Luck
   — Robert L.

May 7, 2002
I would definately call the insurance company to confirm that they have recieved the submitted information. Sometimes insurance co's have a real reputation for "loosing" things. So rather than wait longer just to find out that the "lost" it. I would call and make sure they have it. The squeeky wheel gets the grease.
   — Dell H.

May 7, 2002
I was told my packet was sent and to wait to hear as well. I waited 5 days then called my insurance. They never recieved it. I called Dr.'s office and told her to fax it. waited 1 day. Called insurance and they had not recieved it. Called Dr's office again. They re-faxed it. I called later that day and the Insurance company had finally recieved it. I was approved the next morning. My advice os to call your Insurance Company to see if they have recieved it and then follow through nicely but firmly.
   — Marty S.