Question:
Can insurance approvals be transferred?

What happens if you get approval for one surgeon and then want to change surgeons? (First place found to be out of network and would mean out of pocket expenses - LOTS!)Can the approval be transferred or do you have to go through the whole process again? Thank you for any responses!    — Sheila T. (posted on August 3, 2002)

August 3, 2002
I don't know if this varies by insurance companies or not, but I was approved for one surgeon and had it transferred to another in about 15 minutes. All it took was a fax from the second surgeon. The in about 15 minutes, the insurance faxd my surgeon back with the approval.
   — Patty_Butler

August 3, 2002
I went through 2 surgeons also. They were both in the same clinic so they knew the codes to use.I had to take some of the tests over again. I did not have to take any of the big ones a second time like psyc eval, stress test or colonoscopy. It did take me a long time but I am very happy wth the Dr. Abkin and am glad that I used him.
   — Robert L.

August 3, 2002
I was able to have my approval transferred with no problem at all. I contacted my insurance rep to find out if I would have to go through the entire review process again or not and made the point to explain that the only that would change would be the surgeon's name. I was very open with my rep and had been e-mailing back and forth so she knew exactly why I switching. My approval was faxed the SAME day to the new surgeon with his name on it already and everything. Hopefully it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck to you!
   — Click

August 4, 2002
I had no problems at all. I started the process with BTC and was approved then found a surgeon within 30 miles of my home. I called the my insurance company (WAUSAU) and within a few hours everything was switched over. I am now 2 and half months out 65 lbs gone forever and feeling wonderful!!!!
   — Mary S.

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