Three Days and Counting...
My surgery date is this Wednesday (2/11) with Dr. Reinhold. 
It seems like yesterday that I walked into the "Intro" meeting at St. Raphael's Hospital but the reality is - I have been on this road since August.
Now that I am here I thought I would share my journey for "approval" in the hopes that it may help someone. My insurance carrier is United Healthcare but I believe my approach is relevant regardless of carrier.
1. MOST IMPORTANT!!! Make sure your letter from your primary physician documents all your health issues, your weight history, and your most recent struggles with your weight - mine documented the last two years. Consider making an appointment with your primary to ensure that the letter has everything you need in it. I actually sat with my primary physician while she dictated the letter. What it cost me in dollars has rewarded me now.
2. Once Dr. Reinhold's office submitted the paperwork, I waited a week before contacting United Healthcare. I called every day looking for a status on my application. I was very patient and very polite. I explained my problem and asked for their advice on moving my approval along. United Healthcare has a 3 to 4 week review process and my surgery was scheduled for 4 weeks away and I would still need time to have all the pre-op testing done. Everytime I called I would speak to a different person. Each would give me a helpful hint - sometime the same hint. They suggested that my doctor's office send a letter of inquiry to United Healthcare since my tentative surgery date was 10 days away. Dr. Reinhold's office sent a couple of inquires on my behalf. Finally, I talked to someone who gave me a phone number to escalate the approval process since my surgery was now 10 days away and I still had pre-op testing to schedule. BINGO!!! 
They called me back that afternoon with the approval. I am now ready for this Wednesday. 
I want to thank all of you for your support and notes of encouragement. Carla you have been my 
and I thank you very much. I will return the favor in March. 
I am physically ready, I am mentally ready and I am very close to being emotionally ready. I will be there by Wednesday. 
Linda
It seems like yesterday that I walked into the "Intro" meeting at St. Raphael's Hospital but the reality is - I have been on this road since August.
Now that I am here I thought I would share my journey for "approval" in the hopes that it may help someone. My insurance carrier is United Healthcare but I believe my approach is relevant regardless of carrier.
1. MOST IMPORTANT!!! Make sure your letter from your primary physician documents all your health issues, your weight history, and your most recent struggles with your weight - mine documented the last two years. Consider making an appointment with your primary to ensure that the letter has everything you need in it. I actually sat with my primary physician while she dictated the letter. What it cost me in dollars has rewarded me now.
2. Once Dr. Reinhold's office submitted the paperwork, I waited a week before contacting United Healthcare. I called every day looking for a status on my application. I was very patient and very polite. I explained my problem and asked for their advice on moving my approval along. United Healthcare has a 3 to 4 week review process and my surgery was scheduled for 4 weeks away and I would still need time to have all the pre-op testing done. Everytime I called I would speak to a different person. Each would give me a helpful hint - sometime the same hint. They suggested that my doctor's office send a letter of inquiry to United Healthcare since my tentative surgery date was 10 days away. Dr. Reinhold's office sent a couple of inquires on my behalf. Finally, I talked to someone who gave me a phone number to escalate the approval process since my surgery was now 10 days away and I still had pre-op testing to schedule. BINGO!!! They called me back that afternoon with the approval. I am now ready for this Wednesday.
I want to thank all of you for your support and notes of encouragement. Carla you have been my and I thank you very much. I will return the favor in March.
I am physically ready, I am mentally ready and I am very close to being emotionally ready. I will be there by Wednesday.
Linda 
Thanks for that note Linda!
I'm sure it will help out lots of people going through the process. I know now that Dr Reinholds office has submitted my paperwork I will take a cue from you and start calling Connecticare this coming week!
I know you are ready for this and will lead the way for me in a month!
Wishing you all the best!!!
Love and Hugs,
Carla
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