Empire Plan insurance question?

Hi Beth,

Thanks for your reply. When I contacted the insurance company they told me I had to do the six month supervision and when I saw the surgeon, he confirmed it as well. I have been in the process since late August '08 and February will be my sixth month, so I'm hoping to submit for my approval in mid to late February. From everyone's feedback, it seems that once submitted, Empire is quick to respond. I have my fingers crossed and I wish you good luck as well!

---Christina

 Empire Plan does not require 6 months doctor supervised diet.  You are wasting your time.  Call my surgeon Dr. Garber.  He will get you approved right away and is the best surgeon in the Northeast and does the LapBand through a single incision hidden in the belly button instead of 5 surgeons like the other surgeons.  Check him out.

I have empire govt plan under united healthcare. I was dismayed when the surgeon's office informed me that there is a 6 month weigh in period before a request for approval. I particularly found this to be unsetteling since the insurance company said that each decision is based on an individual case.  I wonder if the busier the doctor, the more they need to buy time for paperwork??

I too have the Empire Plan for NYS employees.  I was not required to do the 6 month supervised diet.  I just had my lap RNY in September '08 by Dr. Kini at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC.  Once I had completed all the evaluations required by my surgeon, his office submitted the required information to the insurance company and United Healthcare approved it within 2-3 days.  However, I have a coworker who had her surgery 2 years ago by a different surgeon and was required to do the 6 month diet.  But, she told me that her surgeon required the 6 months.  When I called United Healthcare before I even started the evaluation process, they told me that each case was reviewed individually.  So, check whether the 6 months is required by your surgeon or United Healthcare.
Good luck!! Don't give up!

Thanks for the encouragement. February will make six months so I am excited to really get this WLS ball rolling.  I hope you are doing well since your September surgery.