I got my information packet today for teh surgeons office

I made my consultation appt, Sept 3rd! I got my packet today in the mail and was somewhat put off by it. Telling me I would have to pay $600 fee if my ins has an exclusion to denying treatment for obesity and all amnts NOT voered by ins have to be paid up front. Now my ins, UHC, says its covered 100%, so im thinking I have nothing to worry about....right? Then it states that at this visit it will be determined if Im a candidate for surgery and if so I will be given a list of requirements that I will need to complete before we can schedule the second office visit. AFter ALL those requirements have been met then I return to see the dr and discuss the procedure in detail and answer questions etc. THEN they befin the pre determination process with the ins co and that can take 45 days.....

Its seems like SO much to do! Why do they make it so darn hard to get this done? It seems unfair and discriminating to me.

I told my mom about my appt today and she seemed concerned....I really need everyones full support to do this.

Tina,
Hon, don't be put off by what the office sent you.  Almost all the surgeons send something similiar out.  This surgery is wanted by many but only a few can or woll jump through all the hoops for insurance approval.  The obstacles are put up by the insurance companies in hopes that you will give up.  For me, it didn't matter, my insurance had an ironclad exclusion written, so the only hoops I jumped through were financing the thing...and now paying for it!  But, even with using 401k, savings and financing it, it was worth it, so don't get discouraged.  Look at it as a challenge!

Marilyn

Hang in there!  It's not a quick process.  (It took me 6 mos.)  The Dr has these requirements for you to meet before he'll submit your papers to the Ins. co. 

Other than the $500, UHC covered everything else 100%.

The office is trying to weed out the people who aren't seriously considering weight loss surgery. I"m sure they get  dozens of calls every day. There is a lot involved in getting weight loss surgery and they probably want to see how committed you are to it. I'm working on a 6 month medically supervised diet right now. I havent met my surgeon yet but will meet him on Friday for endoscopy. Marilyn is right. There are a lot of hoops to jump through to get insurance to pay. You have to decide how commited you are and then jump into it with determination and patience. Otherwise you will spend a lot of time angry and frustrated. I hope it works out for you.
Karen