United Healthcare insurance

marsha · December 2, 2003

For those of you who have UHC insurance,

I'm just curious...How long did it take to get approval (or denial) once you submitted?

Thanks,

Marsha

Lioness81970 · December 2, 2003

Hi Marcia - I got my approval in 12 days. My doctor's office actually called me before I even received the letter from the insurance company and set my date. Seems that they received the letter before I did.

hodegard · December 3, 2003

I don't remember exactly how long it was, but mine came through pretty quickly as well. I have heard of others with UHC who have had to go through several hoops, and even appeals before they got their approval/decline. Mine was pretty straight-forward. My BMI had to be over 35 (which is was), and the surgeon had to write a letter stating what my BMI was and that he recommended surgery.

seanmama · December 3, 2003

It took me about 4 1/2 months all told- the initial request from the dr was denied, then I wrote an appeal which was approved. The whole thing has taken since July 31st (first appt.with dr )- my surgery is scheduled for Dec 9th.

UHC did rather expect me to jump thru hoops. Also I kept being given the wrong info regarding my appeal- each time I called I was told the appeal was denied- then finally recd a letter of approval!

Keep after them. Be sure to look at your benefits handbook if you file an appeal- the address should be in the handbook. Make sure you mail it with a tracking receipt- that way you have proof of exactly when they recd your letter.

marsha · December 3, 2003

Thanks for all your replys! I submitted on Mon. Nov 24th and am waiting now. I hope I don't get denied...I'm kind of expecting to get denied though since my bmi is 36 (but I do have several co-morbidities). I guess I just have to wait...(this is the hardest part!)

:rolleyes:

Marsha

LaughingGirl · December 4, 2003

It took longer for me - about 4 months. When I first applied, my BMI was 39 and I had no documented co-morbidities except being 100 lbs overweight. UHC took their own sweet time in letting me know that they wanted more info.

Once I found out what they needed, I went in for a regular checkup and was then officially diagnosed with high blood pressure. After I sent in that information to UHC, it took about another month to get approval. A month after that, I had the surgery!

I've heard that UHC is one of the best for approving this procedure.

December 8, 2003

Nov 18 - Dec 5. And I worried the whole time, cuz surgery is scheduled for 12/10 (and that's a whole nother story).

Lindaloo · December 8, 2003

I have UHC and it took about 3 weeks to be approved. UHC approved me the first week but then someone at my husband's work had to approve it too, and he took his time getting to it.