Help!! The worst day of my life - kinda long

I called my insurance company (United Health) yesterday to see if they had gotten the letter from Dr. Ryder concerning my surgery. The woman then proceeded to tell me that the surgery was not covered under my plan. I flipped out. I was told at the beginning of April by a doctor's office and a United Health representative over the phone that the surgery was approved by UHC. My mistake was not getting the names of the rep I talked to. He told me the surgery was covered under my insurance. So, needless to say, I got all excited and made appointments for consultations with surgeons, and got involved in a pre-post op group. I ran to my HR department hysterical and the VP called UHC and a different woman said it was covered and it was not covered. The Dr. had to send a letter to get approved and then if I qualified, I would find out within 30 days. What she neglected to tell me was the following: My request goes to the customer care unit and from them it goes to the board of directors. In the 13 years that the rep that deals directly with my organization, only ONE surgery has been approved. I am so upset, I feel like I have been kicked in the face and run over by a friggin truck. I have lost all motivation to do anything, and now I am severely depressed. I will get a lawyer involved if I have to in order to get this surgery. I don't know what to do, people who are not even legal citizens of this country can get this surgery done, yet I can't. I have to jump through friggin' 8,000 hoops with my bad knees. I am really at a loss right now, and need some advise. Should I consult with my lawyer, should I wait out the 30 days, should I call Dr. Ryder's office and ask her to write a letter that is convincing enough to have them agree? Should I have my PCP write a letter to them stating the fact that I can barely get up a flight of stairs and work a 4 hour shift standing up because of my weight? I bet the board of directors are all "normal" weight ******** that have no idea what it is to feel this way. I'm sitting at work with tears streaming down my face, getting ready to conduct a day long training (just what I feel like doing right now). Please help, I am desperate.

Kristen, I have UHC also, I was denied at first and my pcp wrote a letter to UHC and a week later I was approved. As long as you have at least 6 months of a physcians assisted weight loss program and a co morbidity disease they cannot deny you. I wish you the best of luck. Teri

I have a question about the physcian assisted weightloss? I called to see if being referred to a dietitain and working with them was considered they said yes. But you you think I should still go to my doctor once a month and just have them document my weightloss as well? Or do you think I would be overkill? Jamice

jamice, to be on the safe side I would definetly go to my pcp once a month for just a weight check. At least it will all be documented. Teri

Thanks Teri! Just so much to do. I bet a bit overwhelmed. But thank you again. Jamice

Kristen I would fight it all the way!!!! I would not get a lawyer right now, but you should do whatever is possible and DON'T GIVE UP!!!!! We are all here behind you!!!!! Kristin

Kristin: (there are so many Kristin's now, I can't keep everyone straight...LOL). I think I read somewhere in my travels through the message board that you got a date....GOOD FOR YOU!!! I couldn't find the post, but wanted to offer my CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's awesome. So happy for you!! Shel

Thank you so much!! 10 days away!!! I can't wait to start my new life Kristin There are ALOT of kristin' s on here!!!

Kristin: I read your post yesterday as I was crying my eyes out because Dr. Roye postponed my surgery for a couple of months so he could help my PCP get me healthy enough for surgery. Your post broke my heart and made me suck it up and stop whining. I'm feeling so bad for you right now..........BUT.......as Teri said, there's hope. There is ALWAYS hope!!! TRY EVERYTHING. DO NOT GIVE UP. If you need to vent, we're all here to listen and offer support. But pull yourself up and jump those 8000 hoops. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!! We will walk every step with you through those hoops. And no one is pulling for you more than me. You let us know if we can help you in ANY way. ((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))) Shel

Kristen, Don't give up, I know sometimes it seems hopeless, but jump through as many hoops as you need to... have a long talk with you pcp and ask him to help you fight the insurance co. If you are seeing an ortho doc for your knees, get him in on the help too. If you aren't.. have your pcp refer you to one, the more docs you have on your side the better. Also get your pcp to send you for a sleep study, if you have sleep apnea, even a little bit, that will help your fight too. plus you'll need it anyway for the wls. good luck to you.. my thoughts are with you. Trish