Question:
How long does it takes for BTC to file for approval?

I had my consult with my surgon on friday. Today I called Aetna and they said that nothing had been sent. When I called BTC the insurence rep there told me it takes about three weeks after your first visit for them to even file for insurence approval? Is this correct? She said after they file it would take about another month for insurence approval.    — Teressa D. (posted on May 7, 2002)

May 7, 2002
Hi. I've been trying to get my approval through BTC and after my consultation (and after I got all records in), it took the 3 weeks to get everything out and received by my insurance. I also had an answer back from them within 2 days...however, it wasn't an answer I would've liked..but BTC is still taking care of it for me! Their insurance department is very detailed with everything. It just might take a call or 2 to finally get through to them. Good luck!!
   — Christie N.

May 8, 2002
I went for my consult on Feb.1, 2002. BTC insurance dept said they received it (from the location of my consult) on the 14th of Feb. And then the woman in ins. that handled my case was on vacation for a week. She told me on 2/19 that it should go out within the week. On 3/21 I was told that BTC had verbal approval from my ins. They then needed to get it in writing to move on to the next step. It took a few weeks for my ins. co. to send the approval. It was finally received by fax on 4/24. I got my call from scheduling on 4/29. My surgery is scheduled for June 10. It could have been sooner, but you must be smoke free for 6 weeks. I only smoke when I drink and my 30th birthday was 4/26 and I was out partying. So it took about 3 months from consult to getting a date. I had to make a lot of phone calls to my ins. person at BTC. My opinion is that they are a bit understaffed in that dept. and it will probably continue to get worse with all the media attention wls seems to be getting lately. It seemed that the only time that my case got attention was when I made a call to her reminding her. Overall I am happy with BTC, but don't be afraid to make reminder phone calls.
   — Janine S.