Q: how long does a surgeon have to file a referral for surgery under CO WC
I injured my arm on Jan 8 1028. After 2 months of no improvement they finally did an MRI and found that I tore my extensor tendon and pulled it away from the bone. I saw the surgeon a week ago and he STILL has not even submitted the paperwork for surgery. Meanwhile I have continued to be in excruciating pain. They tell me it can take at least another month before I am even scheduled for a pre-op apt and possibly ANOTHER month before surgery.........How long do I have to keep suffering before something is done??
A:
There is no rule about how long a doctor's office may take to request prior authorization. But, it definitely can take more than a week for the staff person to get the request to the insurance company. I suggest you call your doctor's office, ask to talk to the person who submits "prior authorization requests," and try to move them along.
Since you're in pain, you should talk to your surgeon and/or your primary doctor about pain relief while awaiting surgery.
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