United Healthcare insurance question

So, ok. I have UHC for my insurance provider and already know they cover WLS. I am going to see Dr. Jawad for the first time on Friday. I got their packet which says that sometimes UHC requires a 6 month Dr. supervised diet and 5 years of dr history. Here's the problem. I don't have a PCP, and my most regular dr is my ob/gyn. I've seen them twice in the past year. I'm worried that they are going to tell me I just don't have enough documentation to approve the surgery (even though, I've heard they are one of the easiest companies). I've been on diets since I was 8 on and off until now. I'm afraid all of this will post pone my surgery for MONTHS on end. Has any one else been through this? Or have you worked with UHC and can provide me some feed back? Thanks, Amy

I have UHC..the only supervised diet I had every been on was when I was taking Fen-Phen. I just put down a bunch of other stuff that I had tried. Atkins, said I went to Weigh****chers, took Dexatrim, as long as you put down something. Not sure how not having a PCP will come into play. Mine wrote an awesome letter on behalf as well as my heart and pulmonary doctors. UHC is tough but your surgeon's office will know what they need and want and help you through it. Good luck. Char

I didn't have UHC but Aetna. They will not approved you for GB unless you have a 6 months supervised with a PCP. I just wanted to let you know of a great PCP in Orlando. Dr. Scott Sanford of Pine Castle Walk In Clinic. He help me through my whole long ordeal and finally I was approved. He believes in GB and will write a great letter on your behalf once you complete your 6 months. I'm just letting you know this in cause they make you see a PCP like I was forced to do. Also I had my surgery with Dr. Jawad, he is the best in his field. I attend his support group in Ocala every month but also attend a Orlando Support at the Herdon Library. The next meeting is this Thursday at 7:00 P.M. (1/12) Everyone is welcome. The more info the better is my thoughts. The hardest part so far for me was getting approved. I had my surgery in July and have lost 85 pounds and a total of 110lbs. Hope to see at a support group, they are so important. Katie in Orlando

Hey Missy! We missed you in the last meeting. Hope to see you tomorrow..we're hopefully having a video presentation, so i hope to see your but in that meeting! heheheheehe

Hello Ms. Ruthie Yes I will be at the meeting tonight. The last meeting landed on the same night as Dr. Jawad's support group meeting. But good news, now he has changed his monthly support meeting to the 3rd Thursday of the month instead of the 4th, so I should be able to attend all of Orlando meetings. I enjoy but support groups. I been doing alot better about staying out of the chocolate and also have started walking/slow running I should say because my Great Dane is always in the lead pulling as fast a she can go. I look forward to seeing you tonight. I've missed you guys! Love Ya, Katie

Hi there Amy, I also have UHC and Dr. Jawad did my surgery, I was approved within the first week of them submitting the paperwork. Ask your ob/gyn if he/she can refer you to a GP/PCP. I've used Physician's Associates. Or, talk to your ob/gyn about writing you a letter supporting your surgery, in many cases, your ob/gyn is considered your PCP. Just complete all of the other appointments. My Nutritionist sent in a great letter. If you would like the names of Drs I went to see, let me know.

When I went for my consult with Dr. Overcash, my OB would do just fine, as long as a DR wrote that it was medically necessary for me. I am just hoping that they don't tell me I need a 6 month dr. supervised diet.