United healthcare insurance approval process

[anm1979 15]

Does anyone know if United healthcare has a time limit on how long you can wait to have your surgery after you have been approved? I will submit for approval the week of September 5th but need would like to go out of town before the surgery the second week of October.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[KristenLe 5,980]

@@anm1979 It would not be that soon that you'd have to worry about it. I don't have United - but my insurance approved back in June and I'm not even scheduled for surgery yet.

[anm1979 15]

Wow, thanks. I had a friend approved in July and she had it two weeks later with a different insurance

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[Armygalbonnie 643]

@@KristenLe WHY don't you have a surgery date yet???

[anm1979 15]

I have my last nutrition visit this Friday, then the doctor will submit me for approval after thats

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[higher 966]

@@anm1979 I have UHC and they do have a limit on it. IIRC it was 6 months but you should double check with your specific plan.

[anm1979 15]

Thanks! @@higher

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[kingsmommy14 63]

I have United Healthcare community plan and I had to do 6 months of weight management my last class was July 20th and 2 weeks later I got approved I'm just waiting for a date

Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

[Steven1954 89]

@anm1979. I have oxford health plan. In NY. From the date of approved surgery they give you three months. I hope that answers your question

[anm1979 15]

Yes @@Steven1954 thank you! That gives me plenty of time

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[unbreakableCD 5]

When the office submits your prior auth request, they have to give a tentative surgery date. The office will call the insurance co back to update the prior auth w/ the correct surgery date. Prior auths can take a while for gastric surgery. Also, don't ever b afraid to call the insurance co yourself (prior auth dept) to request a status update &/or to ask them questions. As the patient, u hold half the responsibility in knowing your benefits and ensuring all is in place. (Granted the bariatric offices do these type prior auths everyday & are very aware of the process, all the red tape & all the hoops they need to jump thru).

Sent from my SCH-S968C using the BariatricPal App

Edited August 26, 2016 by unbreakableCD