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How long does it take to approve a test like Breath test for h pylori by an insurance company like Aetna HMO?

My husband was asked by the gastro specialist to do a breath test for h pylori bacteria, a little more than a month ago. I called his doctors office and his medical network and for almost a month they kept telling me that they had not recieved the request from the doctors office. After blaming each other the test was finally approved but was approved for the wrong hospital as that hospital does not conduct that test. The person handling the case at the doctors office is really mean and just is not cooperating. She even went to the extent of saying its just a breath test and it is not very serious. Do you think I should send a written complaint to the doctor abt his staff's handling of the problem. Now They say that they have re-submmitted the papers to the insurance network. Meanwhile my husband is suffering from the stomach pain. I really dont know what to do, bcoz the whole process has started again. Does anyone have any info on pre certification. Sorry abt this long question.

Public Comments

1. H. pylori can be diagnosed with a simple blood test as well and treated pretty easily once found. Meanwhile, I would consider another Dr. to get this taken care of. Be sure to let your original Dr. know why you sought other treatment. Also, many pre-approvals can be done right over the phone in as little as 5 minutes. Hope this helps!