Question:
Should I call and ask the nurse

I had my first consult with the doctor last Monday. I have done everything I need to do to get this surgery, blood work, nutritionist, psych evaluation, get medical records, etc....Well, after finishing evrything with the surgeon, I asked who I should call to make sure the paperwork went through and that I got a qualification from my insurance company?, and he quickly said "do not call anyone, we will contact you within 4-6 weeks" Well, I called my insurance company today, a week later and they said that they did not have any type of information on me. Should i go against the doctors word and call his nurse to see what the hold up is??? PS. IF I CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY AGAIN, WHAT EXACTLY AM I ASKING? DO THEY HAVE THE PAPERWORK FOR MY GASTRIC SURGERY???    — Karen W. (posted on October 7, 2002)

October 7, 2002
I would cal the Dr.s office...Do they have a person there who handles all the insurance questions? The squeaky wheel gets the grease....Don't let them tell you otherwise..just apoligize firat then ask all your questions.
   — Vicki M F.

October 7, 2002
My guess is that there's someone in your surgeons' office whose job is submitting claims and letters of approval to insurance companies. I'd call and say that you were unclear about the approval process and that you'd like to speak to that person. He or she will tell you about the process and how long your particular insurance takes for approval on average. My psych eval is coming up and then I'll be playing the waiting game too - doesn't it stink that we are at someone else's mercy to get stuff submitted correctly and quickly? The previous poster is right about the squeaky wheel. Best of luck to you!
   — Rhonda J.

October 7, 2002
That's baloney!! YOU should be in charge of your care. You need to be on top of things and make nobody is "dropping the ball" I would call the doctors office and ask them what date the info went in and to what fax #, if it hasn't gone in, when will it and make them call you after it has. MAKE them be accountable. I would then call the insurance company and find out who *get the name* of the person reveiwing your case and your case number. You don't have to feel bad for knowing what's going on with YOUR case. If you get any slack from the doctor about calling, Be confident and tell them "this is MY life and I am making sure everything goes smooth." Insurance companies are supposed to turn the case around with in 1 month. I did medical reveiw for WLS for 6 years. GOOD LUCK!
   — ZZ S.