Question:
Changing plastic surgeon's after insurance approval

I've been approved for a hernia repair/TT. I'm scheduled for surgery on 3/22/04 @ 12:30P at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. The plastic/general surgeons that is scheduled to perform the surgery is good, BUT I really want the doctor from Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI to perform the surgeon because most of his patients are BTC patients AND he does more suction in the belly and around the waist area (a plus). His photos of past/present patients look great. My question(s) to my fellow BTC brothers/sisters is: Has anyone every changed plastic surgeon after insurance approval? If so, did that approval carry over to the new surgeon or did you have to go through the approval process all over again? Any feedback, advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you    — efortson (posted on February 10, 2004)

February 10, 2004
I have BCBS of WI and I changed plastic surgeons after I had my approval. It's no big deal. Just have the new surgeon send a letter indicating that you have changed or call the insurance company yourself and ask what to do. The bottom line is the procedure was approved. Who does it is irrelevant other than if they are in or out of network, so verify that. You don't want a huge surprise. Good luck. My surgery is Feb 23rd.
   — zoedogcbr

February 10, 2004
I changed Plastic Surgeons after I had gotten my insurance approval. All I had to do was call the pre-authorization phone number and tell them the name and address of my new plastic surgeon. They turned around and sent me another approval letter with his name on it and sent him a copy. It was very easy.
   — Patty H.