Question:
How Long Is TOO Long Between Submission and Insurance Approval?

My doctor got all his paper work together three weeks ago and has yet to contact my insurance company for approval. Why is it taking so long? I know...be patient. But this is just insane. So how long was it for you...not for the actual approval, just how long it took your doctor to contact the insurance company.    — Renee B. (posted on June 29, 2003)

June 29, 2003
I had to nearly ride my surgeon's office to send in my stuff to insurance (was approved within 24 hours of submission) but it two weeks to get them to actually fax the paperwork! And that was with me calling nearly every other day to enquire if it had been sent. How long is too long? However long it takes them. There's just not a lot you can do - if you pester them too much they'll get irritated and could back log your stuff and if you don't pester at all you really could be forgotten! I suggest calling at least once a week with a gentle reminder :>) Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 29, 2003
Thanks Ruth...but what do I do if they've told me NOT to call them. Every time I call, I get yelled at for bothering them.
   — Renee B.

June 29, 2003
well any office that "yelled" at me would lose a patient. Period! However, since this surgery has become so popular, I know they must be getting hammered by patients waiting the same as you. Have they given you ANY timeline at all on how long this usually takes thru their office? That would be the first thing I would try and ascertain. If the wait seems reasonable to you, then wait it out and call back after that time has went by (another couple weeks for example). If however, they won't even give you a timeline, there's nothing stopping you from seeking out a different surgeon. Just be aware this could likely happen again and again. Sad! In all likelihood, they are waiting on the surgeons report - and they are notoriously slow! I did read others with the same doctor and they all seem very pleased by his staff, so not sure what's going on now.
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 29, 2003
The only time frame I was given was that it could take up to 120 days for insurance approval...not that it could take that long for them to just contact the insurance company. I told them that my insurance company was ready to process it, all they need is the paper work and that it won't take more then 30 days. SOOOO basicially, my doctor can take his sweet time and there's nothing I could do about it. He is a great surgeon, does great work (about 200 surgeries a year with only 1 death ever) and frankly going to another surgeon isn't worth it. By the time I jump through all those hoops, I'd be right back here in waiting. Thanks again Ruth!
   — Renee B.