UHC-Optum Approval

[Are822 8]

Hi all, I have been working with a dietician for 4 months and she is very against any sort of bariatric surgery. I know for the United Health Care and Optum programs, you have to have 6 months of a supervised diet prior to surgery and I am so afraid she is against this. Does anyone know if I would be able to see another dietician through the Bariatric Center of Excellence for my last two months? Would that still count? It would be consecutive months but just with another provider.

[_Shane_ 63]

You're paying her to provide supervised nutrition counseling not to endorse your decision to have bariatric surgery. I'm not sure why it matters whether she's for or against it.

[Deja 4]

On 7/25/2018 at 6:38 PM, _Shane_ said:

You're paying her to provide supervised nutrition counseling not to endorse your decision to have bariatric surgery. I'm not sure why it matters whether she's for or against it.

I agree with Shane. I'd probably just finish out your last two visits. UHC/optum accepts programs like weight watchers for supervised diet visits which wouldn't be endorsing surgery, so I see no difference with her either (if that makes sense?). Her role is to document your weight and guide your nutrition and exercise goals.

If you are set against seeing her again, I know my nurse coordinator with optum said I could see my PCP for 3 months then see a nutritionist for the next 3 months. This would satisfy their 6 month requirements even though it wouldn't be with the same provider. The 3 and 3 month is just an example, it could be any combination. I just received my approval through UHC Optum, let me know if you have any other questions and good luck with the approval process!

[Are822 8]

Thank you both. This is super helpful. I think I'm just going to meet with her two more times to be consistent. I sent her the form and am keeping the mentality that she doesn't have to approve of what I'm doing but just needs to sign off on the counseling part. Appreciate the help!