Question:
Insurance switched, scheduled consult with surgeon - now what do I do?

I felt so good until a few days ago when I found out my insurance carrier has been switched through work. The insurance goes into effect on June 1 - the same day as my initial consult with the surgeon. I have no way of knowing until that day what is covered, I called the insurance and they can't even tell me what is covered. Should I go through with the consult (possibly $400) and hope that things go well, or should I wait again? They recommended I send a letter to the insurance company with the referral from my family doc showing the medical necessity of the visit, but they also said it can be a while to know what the outcome is. I am just panicked right now and I don't know what to do. I don't want to wait any more since I have made up my mind. I hate to send a referral letter with information missing for them to consider the procedure, but if I don't, I may not get it payed for. Has anyone gone through this? BTW, the insurance I have is GE Financial Network Health Insurance. Any help is appreciated!    — arebella (posted on May 25, 2001)

May 25, 2001
HI, I had a referral for a consult, had CIGNA, but at the open enrollement at work I switched to Health Net, thinking that the referral that I had would just SLIDE over, wrong. I had no idea but have been in insurance hell ever since. I called the insurance and they tell me that each insurance has their own set of standards/rules and even though they are sold to us under the same "umbrella" each is different. Maybe ask if you can get that consult moved up to the week before, at least you will have met with a surgeon. I am still trying to just get an interview with a surgeon. thank you, debbie hoage
   — Debbie H.

May 30, 2001
My situation was a little different-I have Maxicare ins through May 31, and BCBS starts June 1. I did have my initial consult Yesterday (29th), and had no problem. I just let the office know we were switching, the only delay for me is we can't go for approval until I get my new ins card/numbers. I would go to the consult anyway, you will be covered by the new ins as of the 1st. The office I went to did not ask for any payment up front. You might want to check with your Dr's office, but the bill should be able to be sent on to your new ins co. Hope this helps a little....
   — Angela T.