Surgery is 2 weeks away and time off still not approved!

I submitted my FMLA paperwork to HR 2 weeks ago and as of this morning I am STILL not approved. My surgery us in 2 weeks!!!! I am so close and to have to deal with this, I'm trying not to freak out. They sent me an e-mail this morning saying that the classification codes the surgeon put down don't state what the surgery is actually for, so they can't determine if it coincides with the amount of time I've requested to be off. I thought under HIPPA that I didn't have to disclose what exactly the surgery is for. I left a message and am waiting to hear back, but I am so frustrated right now.

I am so sorry you have to go through this at the last minute. Hopefully, it will all work out! Hang in there!

Sorry to hear you are going through this, when you should be sitting back and basking in what is to be up and coming a new life change for yourself.

But you are exactly right, due to HIPPA they are not allowed to ask you what you are having done.  However, does the doctor note you submitted state the amount of time off you will need from work?  If not, that is what you need then.  And sometimes you have to remind HR folks (I work in HR) that due to HIPPA they can't ask you for your reason, esp. if you have a doctor note.

Hope this works out for you.

SAY WHAT??? Do they know that is against the law here in MD to deny you your right to Family Leave. It is unpaid leave so what do they care? I would be telling them you have a lawyer and they said that you have the right to obtain family leave for surgery and you also have the full right to privacy via ammendmant 3 and the HIPPA! Girl I would not stand for that stuff! Serve them their own A$$ES on a platter!