Out-of-network referral processing cycle of UHC(Empire plan)

Hi, everyone. I requested an networking referral for a surgeon to do a surgery, which if approved by the insurance company, will save me at least $10000. The referral was submitted on 10/31. When I called the insurance companies. Several times. At least one agent clearly told me that to review the referral would take 15 business days. And it takes 30 business days to get a response by mail. And she even told me because I prepared all the documents and did some extensive research on in-network providers around my house, my application should be quick to review.

But the tricky thing is that my surgery is scheduled for 11/30, in 6 days. When I called yesterday(>15 business days already), the agent, to my disappointment, told me there was not any update yet, and that I should only expect to get a decision within 30 business days, which will be after the surgery, and the info. of 15 business days to review was wrong.

I was quite frustrated because I clearly was misled by the first agent, and if I get the surgery before the decision comes out, I could be paying > $10K out of pocket.

My question:

Is that timeline that strict? Obviously, I submitted the referral long ago. Let’s say if the approval comes 1-2 days after my surgery, that’s still considered not valid?

Does the words from the agent who gave me info. of 15 days to review have any legally binding power, with which I can hold the insurance company at the very least partially responsible.

What other options do I have except to reschedule the surgery? I have been waiting for this surgery for >1 year, and am already traveled by >5 hours flight to the town and the last appointment with the surgeon is on Monday, and I can’t imagine how to even bring up the rescheduling this close to the date.

I would appreciate any suggestions and happy thanksgiving everyone!