Insurance Question

[maddiek 0]

Anyone have United Healthcare? If so, what hoops did they make you jump through for approval?

[auntlucy 22]

I have United Healthcare, and I was shocked at how easy it was. I was denied a few years ago under Aetna, and I was expecting it to be a big hassle when I started looking into it again. (I was prepared to pay for it myself if I needed to.) I was shocked when I was approved in less than 2 weeks. I didn't have to have a 6 month doctor-supervised diet or anything. The only true health issues (other than having a high bmi) was sleep apnea. I can tell you that the Company I work for is self insured, so I'm not sure if that factored in at all.

I feel a little guilty talking about how easy it was for me since I know it's so hard for so many.

Good luck to you!

[maddiek 0]

Thanks for the info. I hope it goes that fast for me. My BMI is 33, but I have some co-morbidity's. Several women at work have had gastric bypass since this was added to our insurance. I heard that one was banded and it didn't take long.

[auntlucy 22]

I just noticed that you are in Greenville. I'm in McKinney. Have you found a surgeon?

[maddiek 0]

I went to a seminar given by Dr. Michel Stephan. He is in Mesquite, but is coming to Greenville one day a week. Who was your surgeon?

[tammygirl 0]

I too have United and the process was as smooth as ice and very fast. I wish you the very best!

Tammygirl

[AliNSanDiego 1]

I have UHC. I just finished all of my surgeon's requirements today & now they will submit to the insurance (I am hoping tomorrow). The insurance coordinator says it typically takes 4 weeks for an answer.

I called UHC myself and talked to the care coordinator. She told me the paperwork gets faxed in by the surgeon’s office, I am then given a case number and my file is passed through several other depts. /hands prior to being approved (including a nurse). If the approval can't be determined by these people, my file is sent to a board to be looked at... I got a headache just listening to how this all works! Sounds like it takes forever...

The care coordinator did tell me I could always call in and check the status... I will keep you updated!

[auntlucy 22]

Maddie, my surgeon is Dr. Stephen Hamn in Plano. I've been very pleased with him and his staff.

[Papa-Bear 0]

I have United as well, and my wife and I were approved very quickly. I do have apnea, so that may have been part of the consideration, but my wife does not. The only thing we needed was a weight history from my normal physician. I want to say it had to go back 3 years. One of the surgeons assistants had made the comment to me that United was the easiest to get approved. In talking with my surgeon they commented that for United, if it is coded as an overnight stay that it goes through quicker. Don't know if that is true, but it went through without issue.

Also, I am in the DFW area. If you have not decided on a surgeon, I highly recommend Dr Cribbins out of Plano. Super nice guy and great staff. He also does some of his work in Plano Presby which is a spectacular hospital. Had to spend a week there last year on an unrelated issue. Nice place if you are staying the night. I see Lucy above recommended Hamm. He and Cribbins share an office and staff. Have heard great things about him as well.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Papa-Bear

Edited June 18, 2008 by Papa-Bear

[auntlucy 22]

Dr. Cribbins and Dr. Hamn are partners, so I'm not surprised you had a good experience too.

[maddiek 0]

This is all very encouraging! Thanks!

[Jodi_620 37]

I have UHC as well and there were absolutely no hoops!

I had a BMI of 41 with no co-morbities. I was approved in a little over a week with no further requirements.

[maddiek 0]

WOW...That's amazing!

[AliNSanDiego 1]

Just a quick update. I got my approval today!!! It took UHC 4 business days to approve me. I called them every single day to check the status. Tentative surgery date is July 9th!!! I am soooo excited!

[Jodi_620 37]

WooHoo!:smile2: