It's only the beginning, and already my insurance is making me angry!

So, Greg was (notice I say WAS) scheduled for a PET scan tomorrow.  When we spoke with the doctor's nurse on Tuesday she said she had already submitted for a prior authorization for the scan.  I called the insurance today, and they claim that nothing came in until late yesterday.  Of course, today, they have not yet authorized it.  I have a contact, somewhat higher up at United HealthCare, who has helped me in the past, and he made some calls for me.  He called me back and said if the doctor or his nurse call an state the urgency of this matter, that they will get it approved right away and he will be able to have the scan tomorrow. 

Well, not so much.  The doctor's nurse spoke with three different people, and they will not do anything to speed up the authorization process.  They said the request needs a "peer-to-peer" review.   That means that they want Greg's doctor to speak with the United HealthCare doctor.   Now, Greg's doctor was off today, so there is no way that Greg will be able to have the scan tomorrow.   Trust me when I say I'm not happy. 

The scan was originally put off until NEXT Friday.  I wasn't happy with that, because it's doubtful that the results would be to the oncologist by Tuesday, when we have our appointment to discuss the results and figure out our plan of action  THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!   

We were able to reschedule his scan for Wednesday, which will give us enough time to get the results of the scan to Greg's oncologist.   Now, we just have to make sure that United HealthCare approves the scan!   They have to call the doctor's office and give them a time when they can have the peer-to-peer review.  If they don't  do that tomorrow, I'm going to lose my mind!  I work for this company, and I just don't understand this process!   Greg has had cancer twice before.  We need to know if the cancer has metastasized.   This is NOT something I am willing to wait to find out!  We need to know what's going on.   

Greg's doctor's are the ones that are best able to decide his treatment and what tests are needed.    The last time we had to wait for an approval, it was for a CT Scan.  I don't remember what he needed it for, but general protocol for that diagnosis was an MRI.   When I called UHC to find out about the authorization, I was told it was denied, because they felt an MRI was warranted, instead.  I ABOUT LOST MY MIND!  Did they even LOOK at his medical records?  That is EXACTLY what I asked the person on the other end of the line.  Greg has a PACEMAKER do you REALLY want him to have an MRI and have it ripped out of his chest?  Seriously?   Two hours later, the CT scan was approved.  

I can't even discuss this any more.  I'm so upset right now.  I know that everything will get done, but I'm so pissed at our insurance company for not doing the right thing for it's own employee!