AUTHORIZATION/APPROVAL?

OK, DO THESE MEAN THE SAME THING?  I GOT A CALL FROM MY SURGEON'S OFFICE (THEY SUBMITTED MY PAPERWORK TO THE INSURANCE CO. LAST WEDNESDAY) AND SHE SAID SHE HAS THE AUTHORIZATION FOR SURGERY.  SHE WENT ON TO TELL ME A FEW THINGS ABOUT WHO WOULD BE CALLING ME AND SUCH. HELP! ALICE