Question:
I talked with my insurance company (BC/BS) and they said they had thirty days to ..

decide whether or not to approve me. I was wondering if I should keep calling or wait thirty days and then start bombarding them with calls. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.    — Heather L. (posted on March 23, 2000)

March 23, 2000
I would call them everyday I just got my approval today and the Dr.'s office just sent out my first letter on 3-16-2000. I called them everyday and it paid off. When I called them before I sent in the pre-determination letter, they said that more than likely they would deny it and they had 30 days to make a decision, but I would keep on calling. I hope everything works out for you.
   — MS. A.

March 23, 2000
I'd call them every day, don't wait the 30 days. I'm in the process of waiting to hear whether they approve or deny me, but I call about every other day. Hopefully they'll get tired of hearing from you and approve it quickly! Good Luck!
   — jeannieree

March 23, 2000
dear heather: i also live in alabama and have bc/bs ins..... i called once every 3 days~ just to check on the progress (and let them know that i WAS INTERESTED!!!) i don't feel that it helped alot.....but it did help some ....because i knew that they (ins. co.) had requested more information....way before i got the letter in the mail....and by the time i got the letter i ALREADY had all the info. together !!! i was nice (but not a push over) and asked this question EVERYTIME i called: "i would like to check on the predermination that has been made on contract."....i also...kept a page that had: DATE OF WHEN I CALLED, WHO I TALKED WITH & WHAT THEY SAID!!! that way i felt VERY informed and ready with my information when i placed the call!!! :-) hope this works for you and please feel free to contact me anytime! and we would LOVE to have you be in our support group called: "the heart of dixie w.l.s. support group"~ we meet once a month .....just let me know and we'll be glad to make sure and contact you! sincere support, renee segrest
   — renee S.

March 23, 2000
well, I am shocked cuz it took them 12 weeks to approve mine. I did get it tho. I started calling about it after two weeks and when I did not give them enough info I sent it in and then waited two more weeks and called. Stay on them and they will know that you are still interested in the surgery. I wish you luck.
   — Lee Ann B.

March 23, 2000
I certainly would NOT call them everyday -- that is making yourself a nuisance to them because to them, it is just their job. But, I would keep track of who I spoke to each time, and I'd probably call once a week to "check on the status" of my surgeon's request for approval. Be nice and be professional and they'll probably respond in kind. I had BC/BS and was told it would take 6 to 8 weeks. I called to see if they'd received the request and they told me they had and on which day they received it. I called back a few days later and was told that I'd been approved the day before - which set a record of one week for approval in our state! (as far as I can tell anyway!) Keep a positive outlook.
   — Cindy H.

March 23, 2000
BC/BS of Alabama told me the same thing before they had recieved my pre-determination request. I called 2 days after I knew that my doctor had faxed them my request and to my surprise I had been approve. So, I saw the doctor on March 8 and was approved on March 16. It would not have been that long but the doctor did not get the info they needed to them for one week after I had been to see him. I had given my doctor my weight history for the PHen/Fen diet, letters from my cardiologist and GYN and my medical history from my gastrointerlogist and orthopedic. There was not any way they could come back and ask for more info. They had a good part of my life in their hands. GOOD LUCK!! I'll be thinking about you.
   — Debra M.

March 23, 2000
It took one week for my insurance, Blue Shield Health Now Flex. It was painless. Just make sure you have everything in order the first time it is submitted. Good Luck.
   — Diane A.

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