Can't stand the waiting...

Waiting waiting waiting! Barix faxed my letter to United Health Care on Tuesday. I called this morning and was told it wasn't in the system...so I called Barix, and she said that it was sent to a different department than the one I called. AND that UHC had already faxed them back, saying that it had been received! So now I wait... I have never been an impatient person, but this surgery is already changing me! Anyone else in the same boat?

I am with you! My information was sent to them yesterday! I am with University Hospital in Cleveland. I asked when I should start to call the insurance and was told to wait a couple of weeks......YIKES!!! I am with you being impatient! But I keep thinking it took me years to put the weight on....what is a couple of weeks wait? I do know that Medical Mutual usually responds in 3 to 4 weeks........so I will start calling in a couple of weeks....maybe sooner! Good luck to you! Sue

Hi Jennifer, I can relate to becoming impatient once the paperwork has been sent in. Fortunately, UHC has a great track record on making a determination. I started calling a few days after the paperwork was submitted, but I just called the area to check on a claim and they kept telling me it wasn't in the system. Then someone would tell me it's being reviewed and then the next call they would tell me it isn't in the system. Bottom line, I should have been calling the Notification Dept/Coordination Dept. When I called, they said "press #2 for notification of hospitalization". I assumed that meant if I was put in the hospital in an emergency, that is what you would press to let them know. But, I was wrong, that is the area I should have been calling to get info on my determination. Once I finally reached them, I started getting consistent info. It took exactly 3 weeks from when the paperwork was submitted to when I had the approval letter in my hand. Best of luck! Denise

Hi Jennifer, The waiting part can be hard. Hang in there and save a few fingernails for scratching your back. I know it is hard to wait, but maybe you can use this time to continue to research the surgery. That is what I did and it was very helpful in passing the time. Reading everyone's profiles was a good way to find out what to expect. Hopefully you will hear something back on Monday. Best wishes to you on your journey!!! Hugs, Jaimee

I had my consultation at BTC yesterday(1-7-05) How long does it take before they submit the paperwork. I also have United Health Care?

How was your consultation? What doctor are you with? Are you having open or lap? Do you have any clearances that you have to get? (Like psych, sleep study, etc.) Well, this is how it worked for me. We switched at open enrollment last year to United Healthcare, so our policy just became active on the first of the year. Even though my consultatin was December 10th, we couldn't submit to the insurance company until 2005 started. I sent copies of my insurance cards when we got them (probably around the 18th of December) and they overnight FedExed my information to Michigan, where their insurance department is. Then they waited until the first of the year to do anything. When they get your information, the insurance people enter you into the system and you are assigned to a care coordinator. That person then calls your insurance company to verify that you have a benefit (so that they're not wasting time if you don't). When they find out that you do, they fax the letter of medical necessity and other paperwork to the insurance company. From the day UHC receives the paperwork, it's supposed to be 30 days or less to a decision. I have heard up to six weeks or as little as 24 hours, though. It really just depends on who gets your file and how fast they move on it. My information was sent on Tuesday the 4th, and I haven't heard anything yet. So I would imagine that they'll probably get your information to Michigan and entered into the system within the next week. If they're moving really fast, they might even get everything faxed to UHC by the end of the week, but that's probably too fast...I would think the insurance company will have your information by January 19th - probably not any later. You have to allow time for processing and getting the records signed off by the doctor and sent to Michigan, etc. But the process really does move quickly! Keep me posted on what you hear. We'll probably have very close "rebirthdays!" Good luck!

Hi Jennifer, I'm so glad you wrote back. And so fast! Thanks. Well my consultation went well. I met with Dr. Stelmack and he wants me to have a Psych evaluation done. I looked at him and with a smile I said "I've only known you an hour and you think I'm crazy" He laughed and explained that he suspected that I am an emotional binge eater and after this surgery that's not going to be an option anymore. He would like me to she the psych. to find a way to deal with stress other than using Burger King. He's got me pegged to a tee! I'm kinda looking forward to talking to the shrink. It can only help. Dr. Stelmack told me that because of my BMI and body type I could go with either open or lap. He then went into detail with both procedures and after picking his brain a little, he told me that BTC in Groveport has only been doing the lap procedure for about 5 months. And the lap process calls for you to be under anastisia(sleep) for 2-3 times longer than with open and that there is more chance of a leak. He also told me that because of my body type he only would expect my scar to be about 3-5 inches long. He really didn't want to say it, but I could tell he didn't want to do the lap procedure. I'm not triing to be a swimsuit model so I'll take my scar and be happy! My patient counselor was Frank and he gave my friend and I way too much attitude. I think it's because my friend is 3 years post-op and looks awesome. She's 5 foot 10 inches and weights 150 lbs. I think she kinda robbed him of the spot light. Oh well. I got the impression that they were going to start the paperwork process before my psych. exam. I think that was just Dr. Stelmack's recommendation. It's cool though! I can use all the help I can get! Also, I have to stop smoking for at least 6 weeks before surgery. It's not good for ya! Did you know that? Why do people tell me that smoking is not good for me? As if I live in a bubble or smoke ring and don't realize this already. Oh well, I'm a little testy because I want a cigarette. There's no way a cigarette is going to be the only thing standing in my way so they had to go. But I miss them. lol I know it's for the best. Keep me post and I'll do the same. You can e-mail me directly if you'd like [email protected]

Hello, Mine was sent on 01/03/05 from the barix center. I have UHC. They told me that UHC was one of the fast to reply. I am suppose to call the insurance dept at barix on the 17th to see what they ahve heard. I hate the waiting game. I am not really worried about approval, I am very lucky I found out the company I work for will pay for the surgery Once a lifetime without having to meet any hidden factors. Although I do have several comorbids. Best of Luck Lisa