What does final approval mean? How much longer?

I called UHC today and was told that my pw was in the hands of the medical director for final approval.  Is this the last step, am I close, the waiting is agonizing!  Can anyone give me any idea from their experience with UHC as to how much longer I have to wait?? Necco

It depends on how long the medical director takes and he puts the final stamp of approval on it.  In my case they took about 7 buisiness days when sometimes they kick it out in 24 hours.  Then it goes back to care coordination to send out your letter of approval.  I know this because I just got my letter yesturday and was approved on Friday the 22nd by the medical Director...... Good Luck!!!

Not much longer now. That means a nurse has reviewed it and believed the pre-approval has merit so passed it along. I pray you get your approval SOON!!!

I have a different story - I have UHC and mine went to the medical dir. pretty quick where it sat for two weeks before being denied. Not to scare you. They denied me because my bmi is under 40 with no major documented co-morbidities. PCP was going to put me on BP med but said to wait until after surgery because it probably would go down. Well, looks like I'll get on the BP med's since High BP is a co-morbidity. Also, going to do a sllep study and get my cholesterol checked ( I know it's HIGH) so maybe some meds for that. Then I'll appeal! Dont let this scare you, it's only my experience. Best Wishes!

*sigh* I'm covered by Pacificare which is a UHC company, and I'm getting the run around. different answers, transfers, etc. "Lost paperwork". I'm ready to scream.

Well, got my answer from UHC.  One word DENIED!  According to my surgeons office I failed to provide my weight for 2006 with my 5 year weight history.  Actually I did provide it and sent it back to the Dr.s office today.  It is on the same sheet as my 2005 weight!  How frustrating is this!  Now I guess I have to appeal and wait, wait and wait some more.  I don't see how people make it through this agonizing process without losing their minds! 

Necco

I don't either. I started CRYING yesterday because after working on getting approved for almost 3 months now, YESTERDAY was the FIRST time I heard about a 6 MONTH program that is mandatory. I was SO upset. I'm going to appeal the arbitrary program, but start it anyway. I have other SEVERE comorbidities that are at play here. *sigh*    

You go girl, kick some insurance butt for me too!  I surgeon has called UHC to request a review of my case since it looks as if they overlooked my information.  I wish you luck in your quest, we'll both make it one day! Necco

Yup...we'll both be on the Loser's Bench and loving it!