Question:
Advice needed! Employer Is Asking Me To Postpone WLS, My Approval Expires April 25th....
My surgery is scheduled for 3-5-03 work is asking me to postpone it. A coworker went out on medical leave and is having surgery on their neck, My boss is asking me to postpone surgery 6 weeks and my approval is only good til the 25th of April. and they want me to put it off till the end of April. If I cannot get time off and the approval expires will I have to start all over? I have come so far and was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how they dealt with this. — suzznn (posted on January 19, 2003)
January 19, 2003
call your insurance and ask them what would you need to do ..to get an
extension. Mine told me it was a simple thing for the doctor to do for
extension but yours may be different..... best wishes...
— WLS_Deb
January 19, 2003
Since it's your employer asking let them write a letter indicating they are
asking you to postpone and then request an extension of 1-2 months. You
want to extend it enough time just in case there are some delay with this
other person coming back or if something comes up on your end. I would not
think this should be a problem.
<p>However I feel the need to say this. Can you be absolutely sure
your employer is on the up-and-up? Might they be looking at a policy
change after the 25th of April that would then exclude the surgery. I
don't want to make them out to be wicked but you do have to watch out for
yourself. Make HR give you something writing that your policy won't be
changing until X. Good Luck!
— zoedogcbr
January 19, 2003
Make sure everything is in writing first of all. Second you really need to
allow for any complications that could arise
Not to scare you, but you always should be prepared. I had tons of
complications on my TT and breast lift and Thank GOD that I had my surgery
when I did because April 1st mine expires too. Best of luck!
— ZZ S.
January 19, 2003
I thought the same thing as the other poster.. are they going to change
coverage or something? Sounds fishy. Can you get your surgery moved sooner?
That's what I would push for. Good luck.
— SarahC
January 19, 2003
Thank you all....for posting My employer is not changing the Insurance we
have had a new policy effective 10/1/02. Getting documentation is a good
idea, I am not sure the other person will have complications and be out
longer than 3-4 months, I am just stressed out.... I can see thier point
but I put in for leave and have been planning this since last June, I will
call ins co about an extension. Thank You all !!!
— suzznn
January 19, 2003
Two things. First, why does your employer know you're having WLS? It is
against the labor laws for them to ask you what type of surgery you're
having, period. Second, you should in no way feel that your employment is
at risk, regardless of the date selected. Stand your ground. Understand
that your employer is human and may choose to view you in a negative light
- illegal as it may be. You should not be under any obligation to postpone
any type of medical procedure and you should check with your local labor
board to discuss your rights.
— jnc
January 19, 2003
Did the co-worker have medical leave requested before your medical leave
was requested, if so, why didn't they ask them to postpone there surgery?
Your surgery is medically necessity or you would not be having it done,
this is not just a doctors appointment, this is major surgery.....so if you
postponed it this time what about next time, in the mean time you die from
being overweight, alittle overstated. I think you have to do what you feel
is right, call your insurance company first, find out the facts, and then
decide. Good Luck and God Bless
— cindy
January 19, 2003
Since your employer is the "owner" of the insurance coverage,
they can call your insurance carrier and have your approval extended also.
— Scarlett A.
January 19, 2003
Since your employer is the "owner" of the insurance coverage,
they can call your insurance carrier and have your approval extended also.
I would courteously make a deal with them - you make sure my approval date
is extended and I will be glad to postpone. I personally would never
argue with an employer I hope to work for long-term.
— Scarlett A.
January 20, 2003
Before giving your boss an answer, contact your insurance company and let
them know what's going on in the office and find out if they'll give you a
3 month extension. Also, contact your surgeon and find out if they have any
other dates within that 3 months that you can move your date to. If either
of them have no options for you, then you must tell your boss. See what he
can do to help you. Since he's asking you to move your surgery date, I'm
sure he'll be willing to assist.
— dolphins94
January 21, 2003
I would speak with your surgeon and insurance carrier. I originally got an
approval but wa not ready for the surgery due to other obligations. My
surgeon's assistant then submitted me for approval and it was done very
quickly since I had already been approved. Your surgeon and his team will
have the best answer for you. Be sure not to change insurance carrier's in
the meantime or you will have to go threough everything again.
— Tyrone T.
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