Question:
I am playing the waiting game w/ insurance. Anyone else antsy ?

I have submitted all paperwork for pre-approval to SPHN(Sparrow Health Network) / PHP+ on the 11th. of this month. I think the waiting is definately worse than getting my ducks in a row. All of my paperwork states that I have a BMI of 40 and lists all my comorbids. What do you think my chances are for approval. PHP said that they have 16 days to review and make a decision. SPHN has not been helpful in answeing any questions thus far. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks    — Nickie C. (posted on February 15, 2003)

February 15, 2003
I'M PLAYING THE WAITING GAME ALSO WHAT I'M TRYING IS TO GIVE MY SELF A DATE TO NOT EXPECT AN ANSWER BY BUT I STILL THINK ABOUT OT NOW AND AGAIN. MY PAPERWORK WAS SENT IN ON 1/20/03 THEY SAY 30 BUSINESS DAYS SO I/M NOT EXPECTING ANYTHING UNTIL AROUND MARCH 15-20TH
   — deniece M.

February 15, 2003
I can SOOOOO relate to what all of you are going through. I am 9 1/2 months out (down 100lbs as of this morning :). The absolute hardest part of the whole thing was the waiting. The waiting for the consultation, the waiting for the insurance, the waiting for the schedule of the date and then finally the date itself! I thought I was going to go insane! I kept telling myself that the time is going to pass anyways and that kept me from banging my head against the wall in frustration :) I must say this website was my salvation and just the contact and communication with others made it a bit easier. I wish you all a very speedy answer and p.s it is so very worth the wait :)
   — LynneSteinmetz

February 15, 2003
Hi Nickie--Boy can I relate to what you're going through. I just got my approval 2/13/03 and my surgery is 2/21/03. I was so anxious I didn't know what to do with myself! I was stressing out Big Time! I have been corresponding via email with a few people I met here. They really helped to set my mind at ease. One person told me she wasn't approved until 2 weeks before her surgery, and another told me she has heard of people being approved the day before their surgery date. Everyone reassured me and they reminded me that we can appeal if we are denied initially. I also told myself that many others before me had been approved by my insurance company (Aetna) and, since I had submitted all the necessary paperwork and met their requirements, I would likely be approved too. Hang in there. I completely understand what you're feeling, and I wish you the best. Try not to worry, (and I know from experience that's easier said than done-LOL) everything will work out for you.
   — Tonya B.

February 15, 2003
Hi Nickie--Boy can I relate to what you're going through. I just got my approval 2/13/03 and my surgery is 2/21/03. I was so anxious I didn't know what to do with myself! I was stressing out Big Time! I have been corresponding via email with a few people I met here. They really helped to set my mind at ease. One person told me she wasn't approved until 2 weeks before her surgery, and another told me she has heard of people being approved the day before their surgery date. Everyone reassured me and they reminded me that we can appeal if we are denied initially. I also told myself that many others before me had been approved by my insurance company (Aetna) and, since I had submitted all the necessary paperwork and met their requirements, I would likely be approved too. Hang in there. I completely understand what you're feeling, and I wish you the best. Try not to worry, (and I know from experience that's easier said than done-LOL) everything will work out for you.
   — Tonya B.

February 15, 2003
I am right there with you!! My information was sent in 8 days ago. I broke down yesterday & called Aetna. I was told that it was being reviewed. She said that I would probably have an answer by this Fri. Man, it is enough to make me a nervous wreck. Besides, I am trying to get things in order at home & make the purchases that I will need. My ins. is Aetna QPOS for the self employed. I know a lot of people get approved with Aetna. Yet, I don't know if being self employed with the Qpos makes a difference. If anyone knows,please e-mail me. Thanks, Karen [email protected]
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 15, 2003
Nickie, I don't think anybody who's went through this process has had "patience" when it comes to getting the approvals. I don't know anything about your insurance, just know you're not alone :)Good Luck in your Journey!
   — Elizabeth D.

February 15, 2003
Nicki, My info was submitted on Feb 11. I had to fax it myself because my surgeon's "go between"(it's a company called Forest that submits all the info for the Bariatric Center where I'm going)was sitting on it and didn't send it to my insurance company (Great West One Health) even tho I had faxed it to THEM a week ago.I'm just a wreck!!!
   — rita W.