How long does it take for insurance to cover the lap-bans Surgery

[janaey 0]

Hi everyone, I was wondering how long does it take for United Health Care to approve me for the surgery. I am done everything and my doctors office send everything to my insurance company this week. i really want to have this done the week b4 xmas or the week after. Does anyone know how long it will take or any ideas?

thanks

Janae:smile:

[sberrys 0]

The insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office said it was generally 2 weeks for approval but it actually took me and my husband 2 months to get approval. It varies by companies as well.

[OrMali 0]

I have CIGNA , How do I go about getting surgery

[michelleintheoc 0]

I think United HealthCare is a PPO, no? I think for some reason PPO's approved a little faster. Anyway, I have Blue Cross/Blue Sheild PPO and I got approval in about 2 1/2 weeks. I feel very grateful, as a lot of people have to struggle with the insurance co. I think a lot has to do with the expertise of the office staff that processes your insurance paper work. If the staff is well versed with what each insurance co. requires, it will go very fast. Very fast means 2 to 4 weeks, unfortunately! But don't give up easily! Stay on top of the ins. co. & Dr.'s office, if your BMI is over 40, they should cover you. Good luck and keep us updated!

[janaey 0]

Thanks everyone...I hoping to have it done the week before christmas if all goes well.

[SoflaJim 0]

Hi there, I have Avmed Open Access HMO. They were required to give me a response in 72 hours. They were very good about the whole process, no complaints i was approved in 4 days once all the paperwork was sent to them. I have to give my surgeons office alot of credit. They made sure all the paperwork was inorder before they sent it in. Approval on the first time. Good luck on your journey, its worth the wait.

Banded 10/22/09

[Paigey 7]

I have United Healthcare too.

I went to my primary care physician on 10/3/09 and was approved in less than two weeks.

I was very surprised that it was so fast and I didn't have to jump through any hoops for the approval.

[lilaz602 0]

I have United Health care. My doctor patient coordinator told me it normally takes 10 days. Good luck!

[new_journey4me 1]

Hi OrMali...I to have Cigna and it's been a process. I met with my surgeon back in August and have done all the requirments. Cigna makes you work with a nutritionist for 6 months - it's a program. Try to get your nutritionist appt ASAP, because the 6 month countdown begins with your first visit...I didn't know that and now I'm waiting a month longer! (not happy) What makes me laugh about Cigna is that they only pay for 3 visits to the nutritionist, but they require a monthly check-in. I'm lucky, I found a nutritionist that has a program - called Express Check-in...you pay $75 for 5, 10 minute visits. And it doesn't go against your insurance! Very nice!!

Hope this helps you out - one bonus with Cigna they pay 90% so I guess we can't complain. Best of luck! :smile2:)

[kll724 3,055]

my daughter has United Health care. She got approval like in 2 weeks, she put it off due to gall bladder surgery. But she is back on track and got pre-approval again in 2 weeks.

[Thinner*me 0]

I have BCBS PPO of Georgia for federal employees.

9/22/09 First office visit

10/18/09 Psych Eval and Nutritional Eval

11/3/09 Paperwork sent to BCBS

11/7/09 Surgery approved, waiting for date

[millhead 0]

I have UHC with AT&T. The info was submitted to UHC on Sept 23 and I was approved Oct. 16th and I am still waiting for a surgery date. Good Luck!!

[janaey 0]

Wow...So United Health Care is pretty fast.

Janae:thumbup:

[sweetred1967 0]

I am with UHC/AT&T I am awaiting my approval too.

I was submitted on November 3rd and was told that UHC has up to 45 days. However they usually get back in 2-3 weeks.

I'm with you I wanna be banded before the end of the year too.:tongue2: