Question:
How long do I wait after my initial surgical consult, to start inquiring about dates.

I had my initial surgical consult on January 13th 2003. Since then I have seen the dietitian, made an appointment with pulmonary, psych and follow up with dietitian. Should I be calling the surgeons office and asking them about the status of my case? Of should I contact the insurance company to find out information? Maybe it would be better to wait until I see all the doctors before inquiring about how things are proceeding? Any input you have is very welcome. Thanks Suzza    — Suzzanne D. (posted on January 27, 2003)

January 27, 2003
Sometimes the doctor waits until all the results from the other doctor visits are all in before he submits your information to insurance for approval. It would not hurt to contact his office and inquire how they do things- at least you would know and it may put you at ease. Good Luck
   — Jan S.

January 27, 2003
You should ask your doctor how they want to handle scheduling. I was given my date AT my first surgical consult, after I said I wanted to go ahead and schedule. Then I did all my consults, and then the doctor submitted my insurance paperwork. -11 months and -111 pounds
   — Kathy J.

January 27, 2003
I had my surgical consultation on Jan 8th.I have talked to both the btc clinic and my own insurance(united healthcare). I really think it depends on your surgeons office procedure. My goes to the insurance dept. within the clinic and then they summit it to my insurance, and once I am approved they send my files to scheduling(which is within the clinic!
   — Tonya M.

January 27, 2003
According to my Dr. and his way of doing things - At the Consult they tell you what needs to be done - Psych Eval, Letter from PCP, Copies of medical files,etc. - some Dr's need other things too. ONLY when all they ask for is submitted and meets to their satisfaction - do they submit it to the Insurance Co. After they okay you for surgery - then they give you a tentative date. Whic could change if something comes up in your pre-physical or even moved up if a opening occurs. Good Luck - My Consult was Nov. 26, 2002 and all my info is JUST going to the insurance Co. now due to a problem with my Psych Eval. God be with you.
   — Sally P.

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