Question:
I HAVE BCBS OF GA.. How long till Med Director makes decision?

I have BCBS of GA POS. My file has been with the Medical director for approval since last Friday, the 19th. They have had my packet since August 8, and have twice asked for more info which I provided. Each time this was done they said it would be "15 more business days" till a decision was reached. I have passed the 15 business days now at least 3 times and still no word. Just wondering if anyone has any idea how long the actual decision of the Med. director should take. I keep calling every day and they keep saying "any day now"... geez it's un-nerving!! They told me today there is no pre -determined 'turn around time'. I know several people who last year got approvals in 2 days. Apparantly BCBS has changed their approval process. Anyone with any info... I would greatly appreciate it!!! Thanks.. Pam in GA.    — Pam B. (posted on September 25, 2003)

September 24, 2003
I think this comes down to the particular office and people involved. I have BCBS of WI and once they had all the info they wanted it went to an outside consultant for review and that was completed in 1 day. I'm sure you will hear soon!
   — zoedogcbr

September 24, 2003
Honestly I dont understand why they make you wait so long. I have BCBS OF GA too and it has to be al about who you are talking too. It took me two weeks to get approved but then another week to get the authorization number but keep calling. I found that if I called in the morning and afternoon, I could get 2 different answers.Tell each one what u have gone thru. I know how u feel just keep at it. Good luck. Chances are you will be approved they just have to have everything documented.
   — loisph

September 25, 2003
I have Bc/Bs Ga Feds....I am glad that I am not the only one who had BcBs stalling them... They recieved my paperwork on 8/8, and it took me until 9/17 to find out that I was approved. That was the longest time of my life I think! (read my profile for more info) Hang in there and get your doctors office involved. They have specific people who they talk to, and they might be more willing to cooperate with your doctor's office than with you.... That is what finally worked with me. Also, call the prior approval dept. directly, don't bother with the reps that answer the phone. Prior approval was more willing to try to find out what the delay was than the other dept.
   — Jessica P.