From Viva to BCBS--please advise if you can

Somewhere in cyber space I came across a person who had icky Viva UAB and switched to BCBS to have her surgery. Well, folks, I'm going to have to do this too. Which means I have to wait until January. Can anyone advise me on what to do with BCBS? I used to work there for five years, you'd think I'd know! Anyway, they won't talk to me until I have an effective date, I'm sure. But I wonder if Dr. Clement's office will go ahead and schedule the initial consultation for me for early January. I thought I'd query you folks before I go calling doctor's offices and such. My BCBS contract will be the one for UAB employees. Thanks, ~Sandy