how long is too long?

[katie4242]

I'm waiting for my neuro to send the authorization form so my insurance will approve my Copaxone.  It has been 1 week and I still haven't heard anything.  I tried to call my neuro's office to inquire about the status, but they never called me back.  How long does this process typically take?  I'm anxious to get started.

Katie

p.s.  Anyone else from VA have problems with MCV?  They have been terrible to deal with.

[anon07072023]

yahoo! That's a big savings for you.  :-)

[katie4242]

I broke down and called my neuro's office again yesterday and they actually answered the phone!  I'm glad I called because they had lost the authorization form and had no record of receiving it from the pharmacy.  After a few more phone calls we got it straightened out and I was able to pick up my first month's supply yesterday.  Now I'm just waiting for the Shared Solutions nurse to come out and help me get started.
One bit of good news.  My insurance originally quoted $500 / month as my co-pay which truly made me want to vomit.  Guess what?  The insurance person who quoted me was completely wrong, and my co-pay was only $30!!!!  I wanted to do back flips in the pharmacy parking lot!

Katie

[anon07072023]

It took about 3 wks from the time my neuro ordered the Copaxone, until I actually had it all set-up.  It takes a bit of time getting it all arranged through the doctor's office, shared solutions, and your insurance company.
-Kelly

[sllowe]

Hi there,

I don't have experience where the VA is concerned, however, it's not unrealistic to ask for status 1 week out from the initial submission.  Seems no matter what we are waiting on these days, follow-ups are the general rule of thumb to get anything done (my experience).

Call them again and ask if it was approved. I'm thinking 1st thing in the a.m. that way, you don't get them during happy hour when offices tend to get crazy, i.e., lunch and end of the day.

-shell