Question on insurance proposal for surgery.

Does anyone have any information on how long it takes to get an approval or denial. My doctors office has sent a letter to my insurance provider requesting a conversion to the sleeve from a band. 

Also, Has anyone used the Lindstrom when your insurance policy only covers the band and bypass. Although, my insurance is CareFirst BCBS of Maryland. CareFirst states they cover Gastric sleeve. Link below to documents.

http://carefirst.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/Encyclopedia/135,80

PAGE 4

https://provider.carefirst.com/wcmwps/wcm/connect/0c01ff804ef8ef219e7f9ec1049fe494/BlueLink_201303.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=0c01ff804ef8ef219e7f9ec1049fe494                                                                             

www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/list-insurers.php?State=MD&curPg=31&alphaPos=All

Thanks so much for the reply.

Mike

My request was approved after 6 days.  BCBS IL 

For non emergencies im pretty sure it's 7-10 business days.  But call your insurance and ask :)

My request (United Healthcare), was approved in 1 week.

well today i got a call from my surgeon and they told me today they sent all my paper to my insurance and they told me it would take 10 days , so i would think it will be 10 days for you to get an answer from ur insurance but you never know.

I have BCBS Anthem and I was told a few weeks, I am trying to get approval from band to sleeve

Hi Mike - if you're really anxious - call the insurance company yourself and just tell them you'd like to know if there has been a determination made or not.  I'm in health insurance and we're used to members' contacting us.  They'll tell you if they know something or not.  GO for it!!