Waiting for prior authorization almost killed me

[Orrex]

6. Years back, my wife needed an MRI.

The only appointment available was at 6:30AM on a Saturday.

In the days before the scan, I called the insurance company for pre-approval. They told me that they couldn't give approval until after the scan was taken, to know if it had been justified.

The difference was a $20 copay or a $1400+ bill for the scan, and my insurance company declined to tell me one way or the other.

"Just call to check in the morning before the scan," said one agent.

"You'll answer at 6:00AM on a Saturday?"

Of course not.