So I wasn't going to call the insurance company today. My husband finally got his paperwork in order and the surgeon's office submitted it yesterday. So my husband asked Greg (the main insurance guy) how long it takes to hear back (because he knows I'm DYING to hear something) and Greg said "I always tell patients it can take between 30 and 45 days (!!!). Sometimes it's quicker...sometimes it's longer so I leave a lot of cushion." Ugh. So I started thinking. Seriously...what's the point of calling? It's not like it's going to make them look at my stuff any quicker or say yes as opposed to say no or anything else. All calling will do is satisfy my sick need to feel in control of an uncontrollable situation. How does that help anybody? How does that help me? It's just going to drive me crazy when they tell me it's still "pending" and don't give me any idea as to if anyone's even looked at the damn file yet!!!!
So as I was saying...I called the insurance company today. I spoke to an awesome guy named Ruben who just rattled off what he was seeing in the computer as he was seeing it so I didn't even have to ask any questions. The first thing that threw me was he said, "OK...so I see you're scheduled for surgery for morbid obesity (Am I the only one who hates that term?) on June 15th." REALLY??? I AM?!?!?! LOL. I think it's just a dummy date that the surgeon is required to put on the form but still...I found that kinda shocking. Then he goes on "Yeah...You're going to want to give us a little more time (because it's still pending, blah, blah, blah - eck! Why did I bother?) because it still has to go to the medical director for final approval." What's that? Medical director? So I ask "So the nurse has already looked at it?" And dear, sweet, irresistible Ruben says "Yep. The nurse has looked at it and it's been forwarded to the Medical Director who has final say."
Seriously...I could've kissed Ruben! OK...so the nurse has passed it on. I've got to think that if something was obviously amiss in my paperwork or my prerequisites (is that the right word?) she would have denied me right away. Right?? To me, this is a sign of hope. Who's with me? I'm trying to stay cautiously optimistic because I don't want to get my hopes up but as far as I can tell, the signs so far are positive.
I wanted to send a special little shout out to Cara and Sarah. Cara has some kind of cold/flu bug and isn't feeling so hot and Sarah is dealing with a loss of her beloved godfather. If you get a chance, please send some good thoughts their way.
Y'all have a GREAT Thursday!
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11 comments:
You have my permission to call as often as you like! So there is one more hoop you can cross off. I can't imagine there is anything that will stop you now!
Sounds like progress! I'm with Amanda call as much as you like - you pay for that insurance!
Thanks Manda - I really appreciate the shoutout... I need it today... It is so comforting to know how much people do care even though I've never met any of you in person... And congrats - I can't wait to see the "APPROVED!" post. It will come!
I would say that is a very good sign! 30-45 days seems like a lifetime to wait. Poor thing, I will be praying for you!
Sounds like progress to me. I think that the nurse forwarding it to the Medical Director is a good sign. Keeping my fngers crossed for you!
Sounds like you are on the right track. I would call as much as you like. You probabally won't talk to the same person twice so you won't be pestering anyone. I can't wait to see the approved post!
This sounds super positive...crossing everything here for you
Sounds like you're one step closer :)
Yeah, call as much as you like - you pay for your insurance and your premium payments employees people to answer the phone. I know that I was calling 2-3 times a week and I think my meltdown on a Monday actually got the ball rolling. My file sat with the medical director for 3 weeks before I had my little meltdown in which I was told, it's on their terms and on their time...so I melted and said...I pay for this crap...and this is my LIFE. Not just a paycheck, it's my life, my future, my year, my career, my training. It's my LIFE. My life trumps a company's "terms". And next thing I know, thurs, it's a done deal - 15 days "faster" than normal for that particular ins co. Sometimes having the PERSON behind the paperwork can make a difference.
I feel so bad for you and everyone else who has to wait forever to get approved by the insurance. I hope you hear some good news soon!
Hooray! Aren't you glad you called? :)
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