To call or not to call, that is the question....

[donbie 1]

Had my final diet visit yesterday and then went straight to the surgeon's office. He reviewed my paperwork and then sent me out to his assistant. I asked her when the paperwork should be submitted and when I should call my insurance company to check up on it. I think I hit a nerve. She went into a 5 minute diatribe on how I should under no means contact the insurance company. She stated that in her experience it just slowed up the process and caused problems when the pt called insurance. She was VERY, VERY adamant on this.

She then told me that it was taking on average 4 to 6 weeks to receive approval. So, what are your thoughts/experiences on this? Why would she have such a strong reaction? I have UHC and from reading on here it seems they are decisive and quick. It's got me wondering if the 4 to 6 week time limit is due to the doctor's office's sluggishness on submitting things and she just doesn't want me to discover this or what??! Does anyone know if it will show up on My UHC site once they receive the packet? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[Penpen 28]

I have UHC also. I had my first appointment with my surgeon and thought they sent for ins. approval right away but found out later, that they sent it out a week later. They actually told me that when I called to check on it about 2 weeks after the visit. There must be some reason it takes them that long to send for approval. I was also told that legally the insurance company has 30 days to reply. But if I remember right, it took almost 3 weeks for approval. Also, I checked our UHC account online nearly dayly and nothing ever showed up. Things didn't start hitting our account (reports, claims, etc.) until after surgery. I'm 19 days post op.

I hope this helps. I actually blogged my timeline if your interested in seeing it. My blog is right above my signature.

[KristeyK 3]

The surgeon's office makes sure they have EVERYTHING together before they submit for auth. Luckily, the girl at my surgeon's office has her act together and was able to submit the same afternoon I got her the last piece of the puzzle she needed. UHC took two weeks to approve my surgery. There won't be anything that shows up on MyUHC until the claims start hitting, right now all the Dr's are getting is PREauth. It won't show until they start asking for payment. (And yes, they can only take up to 30 days to give an answer.)

Good luck!

[donbie 1]

Thank you both for the info on UHC. I guess I'll just try to be patient. Not my best quality, however, I will try. Congratulations Penpen! I hope everything is going well for you!

[Penpen 28]

You're welcome! I remember the wait. It's almost unbearable but looking back now, everything really happened super fast. I bet it will happen for you too.

Thank you! Yes, everything is going fine. It hasn't been easy but things seem to get better with each new day. My big struggle right now is that I'm sooooo sick of the Protein shakes. But after tomorrow, I start my mushy stage which means some real food. YaY!

Thank you both for the info on UHC. I guess I'll just try to be patient. Not my best quality, however, I will try. Congratulations Penpen! I hope everything is going well for you!

[ldydrgnkpr 49]

I have UHC and I received my approval in under 3 hours from the time it was faxed to my case worker. Your case worker, if assigned would be the one to determine either approved or denied. Mine was amazing! She was wonderful.

Good luck!!

Deb