Insurance/Short List

Hi Everyone, My scheduled surgery is May 3rd. I've been calling United Healthcare since February on where I am in the process and if I've been approved...but each time I call a different person tells me that no "paperwork" has been submitted by Dr. Barba's office. So when I call to check in with his office, everyone who answers says that all paperwork has been submitted, and that the insurance company "doesn't like to tell anything" to the patient..one nurse told me she "hates" the insurance companies for doing this to us.....I feel like I'm running around a wheel like a gerbil, and I'm anxious. My company is closing April 22nd, & both Felix & Dr. Barba told me I was on a short list to get "pushed up" on a surgery date due to the cir****tances. United says it takes about a month for approval, but now I'm starting to wonder....did anyone else go through this?? One of the nurses have told me that they have "2" dates held aside for me, but wouldn't let me know anything else...how long does it take to get approval? Has anyone else found this much frustration with United? Could anyone share their experiences with me? Thanks bunches, Mickey

Hi Mickey, I just had surgery with Dr. Barba last week and I was scheduled for 3/16th but Dr. Barba's office told my insurance company that I would be having the surgery on 3/10 to get them to answer quicker. Needless to say I was approved on 3/9 by my insurance company and was a nervous wreck. I also had the insurance company telling me nothing was submitted even though Felix told me it was. I tended to believe Felix more than the insurance companies because it didn't make since that Dr. Barba's office didn't submit the paperwork, I mean, I know they want to get paid. It made perfect since to me though that a customer service rep at an insurance company just does not feel like going through the motions to look up the info requested and would just blow me off. Just hold on. .it's a tough wait.. . but Felix and Julie know what they're doing. I don't have your insurance company, but it looks like most insurance companies try to do the same things to us. Take care and Good Luck, Delicia

Thanks Bunches Delicia, I'm glad that I wasn't the only one going through this cycle. It's unbelievable all the premiums we pay for insurance and when it's something we REALLY need...we have to jump through hoops. I wouldn't have to want to deal with this all the time, bless Felix and the rest of Dr. Barba's team...they have the patience of a Saint! I do have another question for the Forum...Where I know that I'm an "emotional eater" when I'm stressed out....have any of you struggled in this area after the surgery? Did you obsess (sorry can't spell) or miss eating normally? What were your biggest obstacles? I'm so afraid of "failing"...I've studied everything....tried a few shakes out...(ok some are REALLY GROSS) and did the pro/con list of going through with the surgery. I really, really, really, want the surgery...know I need it..I'm just really afraid of setting myself up for failure... Ok here's the insecurity showing... Thanks everyone, Mickey