I have UHC and I used to call them at least once a week asking "I am calling to check on the status of a pre dermination that was submitted by my provider" each time they would tell me they are not showing anything in the system and that by law they have 30 days to review and give a response. My last call was on April 2, 2010 where they told me the same line, and that weekend I received a letter in the mail stating I was approved and it was dated April 1, 2010 ... The surgeon received a copy as well, but not my provider so they were not able to notify me sooner of my approval and surgery date ... Moral of the story - sometimes calling insurance does not make it go any faster, especially when they are not organized on thier end, haha.