Question:
What is too early to call the insurance company?

My paperword was submitted on Friday 3/22/02. When would be the soonest I could call to find out if they received and processed the paperwork? This is my first time having any type of surgery, so I am a novice at this to say the least....Thanks>>>>    — Renee S. (posted on March 25, 2002)


March 25, 2002
My paper work was also submitted on Friday, I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully we will get an answer soon. Good luck!
   — Christine B.

March 25, 2002
Wait a week. It does take time for the paperwork to move through the insurance company's process of getting it into their computer. If, after that time, they still don't have it, make SURE that it was faxed in the day the doctor's office said it was. I don't think it's a bad idea to get a copy of everything the doctor has sent in and if the insurance company says they don't have it, contact someone at the ins co office, ask for the fax number and tell them you are faxing it immediately. Then ask them to call you back as soon as they get it.
   — garw

March 25, 2002
I was told by CIGNA that it should only take them one business day to get the request into the computer (so you could at least check if they have it). I called about 3 business days after my surgeon submitted the paperwork and CIGNA didn't have it. So I told my surgeon's office and they refaxed it. I called CIGNA the next day and they had received it, processed it, and approved me. How soon they give you an answer depends on traffic in the office, but there should be some record of it being received soon after it is faxed in. Keep in mind that if your surgeon mailed (instead of faxed) the papers that it may take a good deal longer to reach the insurance office. Do keep up on this though because it is not uncommon for the insurance companies to misplace or completely lose these things. Good luck! :) I know you must be anxious!
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 25, 2002
It is never to early. I was calling the very next day. Their job is to assist us, so put them to work. Call and call and call. I called everyday. It took them one week (cigna). Good Luck.
   — Stephanie W.

March 25, 2002
CALL CALL CALL my paperwork was submitted Nov. 19 and it was March 15 before I heard from it--I called weekly---they never could tell me anything other it was being processed-now I have been denied---we are resubmitting tomorrow for a 3rd level medical review---say a prayer for me
   — Linda L.

March 26, 2002
Renee, I posted earlier and told you that my paper work was sent in the same day as yours, I got an answer today... I was approved!!!, so I recieved my answer in 4 days! Can you believe it! I hope you recieve the same prompt service I did, and I hope you are approved, good luck.
   — Christine B.

March 27, 2002
Renee, I am in the insurance business. First I would recommed contacting them BEFORE the doctors office submits it to the insurance company. Tell them what your doing and ask them who determines benifits and get that persons fax number. Typically this person will NEVER talk with the insured individual,however they accept the referrel from your physician. Then tell the doctors office the name and number of the person and tell your doctors office that they are expecting your letter. This will also help in expediating the doctors office. I had my consult and had my approval letter 3 days later.The one thing IO learned in this whole process is to be PROACTIVE. From consult to surgery only 4 weeks for me. Good Luck.
   — David R.




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