United Healthcare? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Claire-in-Texas · 07-17-2007, 04:31 PM

Anyone have any experience getting approved for GB from United Healthcare?

A friend of mine desperately wants this surgery, and that is her insurance.

Thanks!

Cinerbelle · 07-17-2007, 04:38 PM

See attached thread:

Approval, at last!! (I think)

Cinerbelle · 07-17-2007, 04:39 PM

and this one:

Need Help Fighting United Health Care For Authorization

If you search for "United Healthcare"...a lot comes up.

Claire-in-Texas · 07-17-2007, 06:03 PM

Thanks a million, Cindy!

VanessaSFL · 07-17-2007, 06:24 PM

I had UHC PPO and 100% approved...No problems what so ever.This was almost 2 1/2 years ago so some requirments may have changed and I am in FL.

Best wishes~

Claire-in-Texas · 07-17-2007, 08:26 PM

Van, thanks so much for your response. And I just love your amazing stats!!!

justawoman · 07-18-2007, 08:27 AM

I also had UHC and 100% approved...No problems at all...I think I had the easiest time with them. No hassles......My surgeon submitted the paper work and a week later I was approved and scheduled for surgery. It was very easy for me...So I wish your friend luck!

Claire-in-Texas · 07-18-2007, 08:37 AM

Thank you VERY much!

taleci · 07-18-2007, 10:19 AM

Claire,
United Health care offers several options to employers for health care, so you have to be very careful when working with them.
My surgery was through United and all I had to pay out of pocket was a $250 co-pay and the fee for the nutritionist (I think it was $150). All other bills have been completely covered.
HOWEVER, DH was also approved through a different United Health care plan. They approved the surgery and confirmed approval through both the doctor and the hospital. Even with all of this, after the fact, UHC realized that for that employer's plan, the employer specifically excluded GBS as part of the coverage, and therefore, UHC has not paid all of the bills. Eighteen months later and we are still slinging it out with them. We finally had to obtain a lawyer in order to make UHC do what is right and will most likely end up going to court over it. Funny thing is they paid some of the providers (like the surgeon) before they realized their error but anyhow, we still are contesting the $30,000 worth of bills that have gone unpaid.

Claire-in-Texas · 07-18-2007, 11:08 AM

Yes, I am finding out that UHC has different programs and they vary from one part of the country to another. I've got my fingers crossed for my friend, she really wants it. she knows the questions to ask UHC now.

Many thanks for all the input!