A few years ago I was working for an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon).  A young man was sent to us by his primary care physician (PCP).  He was experiencing some problems in one eye that needed to be checked by a specialist.  His PCP referred him to the ophthalmologist I was working for.  Upon examination the ophthalmologist diagnosed a detached retina.  A detached retina, if left untreated, can cause blindness.  The only treatment for a detached retina is surgery and quickly.  The longer the wait for surgery the lower the chances are for restored sight.  The doctor made the necessary arrangements for the patient to have surgery later the same day.  The patient was sent home to pack a bag for the hospital and was told what time he needed to check in.

When the patient got home he called his insurance company to let them know what was going to happen.  They told him that his surgery would have to wait for the Utilization Review Committee to ...