Question:
Once you receive insurance approval, do companies have a time limit within which you

are required to have surgery, say 4 months, or else you have to start the approval process all over? I got insurance approval Aug 1 and am waiting for final evaluation of my paperwork by my surgeon. I had hoped to have surgery the first of the new year, but that would be a 5 month time period. Think that will be a problem?    — Judith A. (posted on August 20, 2001)

August 20, 2001
I'm not sure about other insurances, but, Alliance's approval letter states that I MUST have my surgery within 3 months of the date of the approval, and by the Doctor listed in the approval and at the hospital listed in the approval, else, it is no longer valid.
   — Lyn R.

August 20, 2001
Well, I know my approval was ok BUT the referral from my PCP was due to expire (it was good for 6 months) right before surgery so I had to get an extension or my surgery would have been postponed ...check with your insurance company a.s.a.p. and ask about the approval AND any referrals. I got my referral in Feb., approved in March, got a date in April for Sept. 7! With the processes being so long it's a good idea to be aware of all the dates and time limits. good luck :o)
   — Lisa R.

August 20, 2001
Hi, While I was waiting for my insurance approval, my referal expired, and my insurance company would not make a decision without it. Luckily my pcp got another referal for me asap.. I was told that I had 4 months to get the surgery or it would up for review again. I guess it just depends on the insurance company.
   — Carey N.

August 20, 2001
Hi. I have Aetna PPO, and my letter of approval was good for 6 months.
   — camiam

August 20, 2001
Blue Cross of Ca PPO gives only sixty days than you must get re-approval
   — [Anonymous]

August 20, 2001
I have BCBS PPO and the approval is good for 12 months from the date of the letter of approval. Obviously the time frame differs among policies, so you're best bet is to check with your ins co. All the best.
   — dandjon

August 21, 2001
It depends on your auth and can vary from 1 month to a year... definitely cehck.
   — Dawn R.