BING9910

Unfortunately, that's the way it went down for me, as well. I have UHC also. I had to pay my evaluations out of pocket, because they weren't covered period. I agree with the part about paying out almost $500 and then UHC not covering surgery! That was my big fear! I was told the same things as you each time I called to verify what the stipulations were to be covered. I was even told by one Care Coordinator that she couldn't tell me what specific comorbidities they cover because if she did, then all doctors would be putting them on all of their patients LapBand requests. She said it was based on a patient by patient evaluation. After submitting my surgery request, I was denied, due to not having the comorbidities they cover, which were: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. However, I have all the other comorbidities! Needless to say, I was fit to be tied! What am I paying my insurance premiums for, if I can't even find out specifics, to ensure I will be eligible, before shelling out nearly $500, only to find out I don't qualify!! Unfortunately for me, I don't have a money tree in my backyard! Sorry, had to vent a little! Melissa

:tt2:Hey! I don't think you will need anything from your PCP, or at least I didn't. However, I have UHC. I got a letter anyway, but didn't have to have it. I scheduled an appointment withc the surgeon I selected and after all of my evaluations, he decided if I was eligible for the surgery. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you! Melissa

:tongue2::grouphug::grouphug:Congratulations, Jodi!!! I truly hope I have the same success and luck as you with United Healthcare. I really do. However, I'm scared to death I won't, since my BMI is under 40. Don't get me wrong. I have several comorbidities. I just don't have the 5 yr. PCP 5 yr. documented BMI/weight history. I had my Chiropractor submit a 5 yr. history. I really hope they accept it. Please pray for me and keep your fingers crosed for me! Thanks, Melissa

Way to go, Peace Dove! I am so happy for you! You go, girl!! Congratulations! Melissa:tt2:

Does anyone know if UHC will accept 5 yr. medical records from my Chiropractor, instead of PCP? I have to show proof of a minimum 35 BMI for 5 yrs. I can't show that through my PCP because I donot let them weight me hardly ever when I have a doctor's appointment. However, I'm pretty sure my Chiropractor has all my medical records from his office. I've gone to him for 10 yrs. Any advice? Thanks, Melissa

:cursing:I have UHC through the railroad. I was never told by anyone at UHC that it's common for them to ask for a 5yr. weight/BMI history. I knew they wanted weight loss program info, which I provided. They told my surgeon's office if my BMI drops below 35 during the 5 yr. history I won't be approved. Can someone help me? I haven't had a BMI of 35 for the past five years. I've been overweight, but just hit the 35-38 mark this past year. I submitted letters from my PCP and Chiropractor, stating how long they had treated me, what weight loss programs I participated in, my comorbidities, and why they thought the Lap Band would help me. Please help. Melissa

Congratulations on getting your loan approved for your surgery! Would you be so kind as to tell me who you went through for your loan and what terms they offer? Do they offer fixed loans, or is it a credit card, or line of credit? Thanks, Melissa:rolleyes2:

Does anyone know what UHC considers comorbidities? My UHC said they will cover me with a BMI of 35 and 2 comorbidities. However, they won't tell me what they are becauase they said then doctors would be listing them all the time for patients. I have a BMI of 35 and have asthma, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, stress incontinence, GERD, and hiatal hernia Thanks, Melissa

I have UHC and they require the BMI of 35+ with at least 2 comorbidities. Do you know if they will still approve a person who is hovering at 34.9-35.3 with 3-5 comorbidities? I know it varies from division - division. I'm just wondering how anal they are about the BMI. Thanks, Melissa