Waiting Game

Today marks one week since my paperwork was sent to Carefirst for review and approval.  I hadn't heard anything all week, so just because, I decided to call Carefirst myself.

I thought it would make me feel better to hear that they had received the paperwork at the very least.  I spoke to Shanika, gave her my ID, confirmed my birthdate and gave her my call back number.  She brought up my record of sorts and told me that nothing had been received.  I asked her if a week's time was sufficient to show up to where she could see the request and she said it was and that it normally shows in 24-48 hours.  So I politely thanked her and wished her a nice weekend and disconnected.

Then I furiously dialed the number for the bariatric office and chose the option to speak to the insurance specialist, Amber.  She did not answer so I left her a desperate email telling her what I had found and asked her to check into it and call me back.

Next I stewed in my chair.

Then I pulled out my medical card and flipped it over to study the numbers more closely.  Hmm.  There was a separate phone number for "Inpatient Pre-Certification".  Well THAT sounded more promising.  And I'm just the kind of person that has to be told TWICE before I believe something like my fax never arrived.

So I dialed.  I hit the option that led me to "my nurse"....A lady answered, I gave her my ID, confirmed my birthdate and gave her my call back number.  I asked her if she showed any documents received for me and she paused...typed...paused...then she said.... wait for it... wait for it....

"Is this in regards to your June 16th surgery?"  I was like OMG OMG OMG OMG (inside).  Then I was cool, calm, collected...and responded, "Yes, yes it is."....then she said...."well....TENTATIVE date for June 16th".....  :D

She said it had been received on Friday of last week and that it was still under review.  I asked if it would be OK to call back next week for a status update (as if I need permission -- HA!) and she said, "Oh yes, that will be fine -- in fact, take down this reference number and provide it when you call back so that they can find your case faster."  (Inside I said "I LOVE YOU NURSE LADY")

So I am pretty excited about having a TENTATIVE date.  I am really hoping I'll hear about approval next week.

After I got off the phone with nice Nurse Lady, I immediately called back the bariatric office insurance lady and said "oops never mind, they got it!  LOL.

Next, I looked up at my calendar and started doing calendar math in my head.  Let's see....Monday, June 16th minus 14 days on a pre-op liquid diet brings me to.......to......to.....

Um.

June 2nd.

My 37th birthday.

Which means.  I have.  Basically.  ONE WEEK.  To eat my heart out! OMG OMG OMG

Ok I actually don't mind that I'm down to one week (technically 9 days).  I have kind of over done it for the last 6 months with eating my heart out.  I am ready for the change honestly, but I will still allow myself one or two (or three) "last meals"....Rich and I already made reservations at Melting Pot for Sunday night (All You Can Eat Fondue, no less).  I may have to get some McDonald's fries (super damn fresh, of course -- otherwise, they're not worth eating).  Hmm what else.  I may need to have a slice from Sky's Pizza Pie.  That should do it.  Oh and maybe a large sweet tea from Chick-Fil-A or McD's.  That'll do.  Wait, I forgot about Reese's Cups.  And pop secret popcorn with peanut M&Ms.

So that was my excitement for today!  Yay!!!

JUNE 16TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(maybe!)