Need Opinions!

I have posted a few times here but I am need of some help. I am still preop. I have submitted with my insurance (United Health Care). My paperwork was submitted on Feb 21. I called to follow up everyday for the next week. They kept saying they had not recieved it yet. I then called on the 28th and got a hold of a woman who said they faxed it to the wrong number. Mind you this is after I verified the number the day before. This lady told me that the number it was faxed to is outpatient. She gave me a different number that was for inpatient. I had New Start fax to the other number. The next day I called UHC again this time I spoke to a man named Frank. He told me that it will take 30 days for them to even look at the paperwork. He said he would take my info and I should have an answer in a week. I questioned this because I would think they would need more documentation than just my word. He said they would call my surgeon's office. Well it has been less than a week but I want to call UHC because I have gotten so many different answers. I am afraid to call because I don't want the Ins. to deny me because I am bothering them. What do you think I should do? To call or not to call.....That is the question?

Christy, I would wait one week from the 1st and call them on Thursday. Try to find one person there you can talk to every time and build a relationship with that person. I know the contact I had at my insurance was wonderful and really helped me out lots. If you reach someone nice and knowledgable ask for their name and direct number. The main thing is don't make them angry. My husband kept stressing that to me. He reminded me that they had all the power over my life and that I had to keep them on my side. Good advice!!! Don't give up and don't expect anyone in the insurance to be as dedicated to getting you approved as you are. It's just a job to them but it's your life and you have to help them understand how important this is to your HEALTH. They don't care about any-thing but health issues. Hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to put them out there for everyone to work on. Hugs and love, Lana

Christie welcome back to the missouri board. sorry honey i know nothing at all about working with the insurance companies....Tami maybe she can help you she works dealing with insurance companies all the time. Seems like when you call anyplace most of the people dont know what anything is about at all. never get the same answer twice. It might be good if you could get a supervisor. but you sure dont want to make them mad. Jan

Thanks so much Jan and Lana! But guess what? I GOT APPROVED! New Start just called me. I guess Frank knew what he was talking about!!!! I am sooooooo excited. My tenitive surgery date is March 28th. I think I need to go throw up. So many things going through my mind. Am I strong enough to do this. Help me! I need prayers. Christy

Christy, I agree with Lana. Give it a week, try to establish a relationship with one person if it's going to take time to process this. I've seen others post on here that with UHC they had NO difficulties. It often depends on who looks at the request. That's why it's good to try to get "personal" with one person there. Maybe they'll watch for it and "handle with care" so you don't just become a number. patience is KEY though. I wouldn't call EVERY day. Good luck!!! Tami