UHC (Choice Plus) Approval!

[daclamo 0]

Greetings Everyone,

Although I've been a fan of this site and have perused numerous posts for months, this is my first post. I've been wanting to post for awhile, but decided I'd wait until I received the green light from my insurance company (United Healthcare). All of my information was submitted two weeks ago, and yesterday, while at work, I received a voicemail from a UHC representative that simply stated the following:

"This is Karen from United Health Care. This message is for (my name). Your surgery will be covered. Your surgery will be a covered benefit. Good luck to you. Bye bye."

I read it a few times (google voice). Listened to it. Then played it ten more times. I even shed a tear. Here I was, a 350+ lb, 6'2" man, crying in my office. It completely caught me off guard. I've been dealing with my weight my entire life and I guess I was overcome with joy. Joy in the fact that although this journey will never be over, the sleeve is going to provide me with the help I need (and a new outlook on life). Yes, I'm very nervous. I've never had surgery before. But I'm up for the challenge.

I really do hope that this voicemail is real and that I'm not making this up in my head. Has anyone else received a similar call?

Thank you all for this wealth of information. This website has truly been a blessing in my life. I can't wait to join everyone else on the other side. Here's to a healthy life!

[ldydrgnkpr 49]

Yes I did. On February 16. And my case manager seemed very excited for me. It is a fantastic call to receive. My message was, "I have wonderful news for you. Please call me back." I did and I was so shaking when I was dialing her number. Yes a call I will not forget. Then came the "approval" letter. I still have it. I have put it with all of my other papers for my sleeve. Congrats!!!!! Making room for you on the loser's bench!!!!!

Deb

[Oopsseedaisy 90]

I got the UHC call last month. It was very similar to yours. Waiting to schedule surgery at my next doctors appointment on the 23rd.

[rav44me 0]

I also have UHC Choice Plus. I know there are different requirements from plan to plan, but I'm curious what your pre-op steps were. Mine are 3 month supervised diet, NUT appt, psych appt. Either BMI > 40 with no co-morbidities or BMI > 35 with comorbidities.

I have already done the NUT and psych. I'm more than a month into my diet. My BMI is 41 with at least one co-morbidity (blood pressure). Just trying to determine how my approval will turn out.

Were your requirements similar?? Thanks and good luck!

[astericks* 0]

I have UHC as well...and the funny thing is, I am working with Karen as well.

I am at the very beginning of the process: I have met with my PCP to get my weight history (that was a wake up call within itself), identified a Center of Excellence and attended an information session as well. My UHC plan does not require the 6 months supervised weight loss requirement, but I have been following a plan since November 2009, so I have it in my back pocket just in case.

I am so happy for you and I could feel the happiness radiating from your post as I read it. I cannot wait until I get further along in the process and get that feeling as well!

Warmest regards to you and your current and future success...and save a spot for me on the loser's bench when you get there!

[daclamo 0]

My requirements were very similar to yours, but instead of the 3 month supervised diet, I had to submit 5 years of my weight history/BMI. Before anything was submitted to UHC, I met with the NUT, had a psych eval, endoscopy, blood work, and had to be tested and treated for h-pylori. My only co-morbidity is stage 1 HBP.

I also have UHC Choice Plus. I know there are different requirements from plan to plan, but I'm curious what your pre-op steps were. Mine are 3 month supervised diet, NUT appt, psych appt. Either BMI > 40 with no co-morbidities or BMI > 35 with comorbidities.

I have already done the NUT and psych. I'm more than a month into my diet. My BMI is 41 with at least one co-morbidity (blood pressure). Just trying to determine how my approval will turn out.

Were your requirements similar?? Thanks and good luck!

[daclamo 0]

Wow, small world.

We're pretty much in the same boat. Please keep me posted in regards to your progress and I'll do the same. My surgery date is 4/25. I'll make room for you on the loser's bench.

All the best to you.

I have UHC as well...and the funny thing is, I am working with Karen as well.

I am at the very beginning of the process: I have met with my PCP to get my weight history (that was a wake up call within itself), identified a Center of Excellence and attended an information session as well. My UHC plan does not require the 6 months supervised weight loss requirement, but I have been following a plan since November 2009, so I have it in my back pocket just in case.

I am so happy for you and I could feel the happiness radiating from your post as I read it. I cannot wait until I get further along in the process and get that feeling as well!

Warmest regards to you and your current and future success...and save a spot for me on the loser's bench when you get there!

[wishes 125]

Congratulations, that is so awesome. I just hope I get to hear the same good news in five months. Just have to get through the last hoop.