Sometimes it works without a blink, but more often than not you have to go through many loops to get pre-authorization, claims approved, payment from other helpers and more. I've gone through a 5-month pre-authorization cycle earlier this year and here are good articles to read to keep your sanity through the process:
I particularly like this article, recommendations are applicable to all aspects of dealing with insurance:
Thank you.
anaishunter Thanks for the link, will check it out..
thanks. I have been on this site many times trying to understand medicare. I still don't truly understand it
I HATE insurance companies.
Good information, anaishunter When I need to deal with my insurance, I always talk with the doctor's office, and the insurance company to see what I can do. It's always good to keep it as professional as possible and to let them all know that you want to be kept 'in the loop' all the time. Insurance companies are unfortunately a necessary evil, and until I am so rich (or 6 feet under) that I don't need insurance, I will continue to need them. 
Dealing with a lot of stress 
Insurance problems
Isolation: How are you dealing with it?
Dealing with MS for 25+ years
Does anyone journal for mental health?
