United Healthcare

Big AL · October 20, 2003

I just found out that my employer will be using United Healthcare again next year. I am moving forward with my plans on being banded but I am just getting started. ANYONE who has dealt with UHC and has any advise to pass along I would really appreciate it. Thanks!!

AL

Lulu · October 20, 2003

Hi Al, I am a retiree with United Healthcare. Before considering the lapband I called and asked if this was covered, and they said yes, if I met their criteria. I went thru the gamut - dietary consultation, psych eval, group meeting, stress test, and they said I was approved. The office gals deal with them mostly; I just bugged them once a week to find out if there was any change in my status. It took about three weeks from receiving the info from the doctor to approval (the longest three weeks of my life). I wish you the best of luck in your journey!!

Big AL · October 20, 2003

Thanks for the info Lulu!!

I guess I just need to find out from UHC what I need to do and find out where I can go that accepts UHC.

Thanks again for the help!

AL

Alexandra · October 20, 2003

Al, you are very lucky because UHC is among the most band-friendly carriers. But you must find out the specifics of your plan before proceeding if you don't want to waste time; every plan is different. If you have a PCP that's always the place to start, but not all plans require a PCP selection.

But the good news is you're on your way. Congratulaions!!

Lulu · October 20, 2003

........ one other thought. I asked my PCP for a reference for the psych eval, and the one he gave me wasn't in the UHC network. I called UHC and they gave me a list of about 20 psych docs in my area. They will also tell you which doctors you can use if you don't have your own personal PCP. After the psych eval (as well as any other testing you need), ask the doc to FAX your results to your bariatric center; it avoids a lot of delays in the mail. Then be diligent in asking the WLS coordinator if they received the results yet. My psych doc faxed the papers TO THE DOCTOR instead of the WLS coordinator; he was out of town............long delay! You have to stay on top of it; and document who you talk to and when. It really helps!

Lioness81970 · October 21, 2003

HI Al! I have UHC as well and from the time the doctor's office sent my info to UHC it was a total of 12 days before they called me and told me it had been approved.

Big AL · October 22, 2003

I found out today that the DR I was looking at is covered by UHC!!! The guy on the phone at UHC said he thought that the procedure would be covered but just to make sure I should find out the billing code the hospital uses for this procedure and he could then tell me more.

Sounds like things are looking good! Now I just need to go to one of the seminars this doctor has (it's required before surgery) and see when I can get everything scheduled. I am the type that once I want something I want it yesterday. From what I have read so far sometimes it takes a while to get everything scheduled so I am learning patience...

Thanks everyone for all your help. I will post any new developments. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

AL

quakergirl · October 24, 2003

I replied to your other post about Port Huron (in case you didnt see it). I don't know about your specific plan, but I was approved for surgery with the Port Huron docs by UHC, so that seems like a good sign for you. They didn't give me any trouble about it.

Hope that things work out for you!