What's the average wait time for Surgery after insurance approval

misjanete · 09-19-2007, 01:10 AM

I've completed all my required tests and had my final appointment with the surgeon and am now awaiting for insurance approval. My surgeon seems to think it will take a couple of weeks since BCBS is pretty speedy.
My concern is I have to be on a pre-op diet for 4 weeks before the surgery and I'm not sure what the usual wait time is to get your surgery date after you recieve insurance approval.
I don't want to start the diet until I receive my sample packet that has several different kinds of protien drinks to try out. I don't want to waste alot of money trying out different brands before finding one that tastes good, but at the same time I'm worried that I won't have the time to complete the diet before my surgery is scheduled if I wait for my sample packet to come in the mail. It's not scheduled to be shipped for 1-2 weeks. Does anyone know the average wait time for surgery scheduling?
Thanks!!!;)

Hello Kittee · 09-20-2007, 07:31 PM

I was approved 8/28 and had surgery on 9/10! You should call your insurance company and keep a close eye on WHEN you get the approval so to get a jump on doing the things that must be done prior to surgery!

misjanete · 09-20-2007, 07:52 PM

Thanks! I called my doctors office yesterday to see if they know how long they are scheduling surgery out for, for my paticular doctor and they said 3 weeks.is the average but that's not always the case. So assuming the insurance give's their answer next week I've really got to be on this pre-op diet asap. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the sample packet come quick. I've started the pre-op diet without the protien shakes until it comes in the mail. Hopefully that will work.

lovekatz1975 · 09-26-2007, 01:31 PM

Oxford approved me in 3 days.

jtag10_4 · 09-26-2007, 06:30 PM

Hey guys - I sort of have a related question...I was approved on MONDAY (yeah!) but I have to finish a 6-month preexisting condition....which runs out on 12/31/07, they will not issue the actual "authorization" until within 30 days of the surgery, so my Dr is to call back in December and they will issue the auth....sounds legitimate, but now, I'm doubting that this is really happening, it just seemed tooo easy. Can they change their mind? Can they really not issue the auth in December or have they committed to paying for the surgery?

How many have had the commitment and then had problems with them actually paying???

I am just freaking out thinking the worst and imaging the day of surgery they back out and say no.....I just have never been this lucky in "life" especially the last 3-4 years have been an uphill struggle with everything

Please help! Thanks

Nancy33 · 09-26-2007, 09:22 PM

I finished my last test and was approved 2 weeks later by BCBS. My surgery was scheduled for 14 days later! Luckily my surgeon only requires a 2 week low carb diet. If I were you I would be trying the proteins and vitiamins now. It will happen before you now it!