Question:
After they tell you you are approved over the phone do you have to wait for letter?

Or can you set up a surgery date with the verbal approval?I have bcbs Fl ppo    — marie M. (posted on May 16, 2003)

May 16, 2003
My doxtor set up the date before sending it in to insurance. You need a date prioe to sending it in for my insurance. Whether you get the call or get the letter it doesn't matter. Either you are your doctor's office got the letter first. Just make sure that you are sitting down, it will be less painful when you hear those words "you are approved"
   — Linda A.

May 16, 2003
Hi. I think that if your surgeon will do it on a verbal - great that puts you that much closer. However, I would definately stay on top of things. I was told that I was approved (BCBS PPPO) one week and the next was told that it was pending. I know several people that this happened to on this site. Not to worry though, I am sure it will all work out. Also, some surgeons won't set up a date until they get the letter.
   — 2doOrnot2do

May 16, 2003
I never got an approval letter. I think they called the doc's office if I can recall. But I never got a letter at home.
   — Kimberly L.

May 16, 2003
My docs office wants it in writing and so did I. I got a letter. I would be afraid to go on and have the surgery without something in writing that it will pay. I would hate to get stuck with such a large bill because of some miscommunication in the ins. office. Some of them will tell you something different everytime you call, depending on who you talk to and some ins. reverse their approvals.
   — Delores S.

May 17, 2003
My dr. scheduled after the phone call - but they called my insurance to confirm it and got the auth number for their records. I received my letter of approval well before the surgery date (took about 10 days from the phone call).
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 17, 2003
Hi! I had Cigna HMO and when they called to let me know that I was approved, I called my surgeon's office the next morning and scheduled. I got a name and phone number of the person the office would need to contact because I knew they would call to get the authorization number. My surgeon's office called them as soon as she was off the phone with me and got what she needed. I was approved on 3/27/03 and was scheduled for surgery 4/9/03. Good luck to you!! It didn't take but a couple of days until I had the letter from Cigna, so either was you will be just fine!! Open RNY 4-9-03 down 49 pounds!!
   — reneagemini