United health CARE 6MONTHS

Has anyone in united Health care has been required to do the 6 months diet? My surgeon told me that as of a few months ago they are requiring it. Im not so sure if he was right. I calle the insurance and one rep said they dont require it and another said she thinks its a 1 yead diet. Hinestly they didnt sound like they knew much what they were speaking about.

any input would be appreciated

Get a copy of the requirements in writing from your insurance company. You could also try to find their website online and see if they have a provider manual that spells it all out.

As of 4/2008 United Healthcare requires BMI 40 or greater OR 35-39 w/ comorbidities.  You have to show previous attempts at weight loss w/more conservative therapies (but no time limit is stated); you have to be diagnosed as morbidly obese for the past FIVE years, documented in medical records, 18 years old, psych eval--gastric bypass, BPD/DS and Lapband are covered.

Your individual policy might be a little different & could require the 6 month as an addendum to your policy, but, overall, this is what UH requires.

I hope this helps.  GOOD LUCK!!!! 

For the Five year history does your BMI have to show 40 or more for the five years because mine varied from 38.7 to 43.1 is the ok? Please Help

I was required because I didn't have a physician supervised documented diet in the last 2 years to show to them.  Of course, I dieted on my own, but that doesn't count.  It also depends on your plan, but it seems like that most insurance these days are requiring supervised diet documentation.

When I first heard about this requirement, I was dang!... "another diet", "another 6 months!!",  but after all, it was a great time to learn more about life after WLS and take care of the other surgery related appointments.  The other thing is, once I did my part and had all the documentation together, UHC took only 1 day to approve my lap-RNY.

Power through!  If you have to do the six months diet, it's not that big of a deal.

hey guys thanks for the replies. I dont mind the six months plus I already started so technically i only have 4 months to go. I just want to know for sure.

Yes they require the 6 months diet documentation they do accept weigh****chers.

I have UHC federal but I am pretty sure the guidelines are the same. They go by the National Institute Of healths bariatric surgery guidelines. Also call them and ask if you can do 3 months at a nutritionists (referred through your pcp) and do 3 months of Weigh****chers at the same time you do the nutritionists. I know with W/W you have to weigh in once a week but your in a since only doing 3 months do you see what I mean. The only other thing I want to warn you about with UHC is they do not approve the Sleeve Gastrectomy they stopped approving it 6 months ago so please don't waste your time. I was approved for the lap band and through my UHC policy you have to have the six months or 3 and 3 of a physician observed diet,  a psycology exam, a note from you PCP explaining you interest and recommendation for surgery, initial bloodwork, probably an intial seminar with your surgeon. But call them and tell them you want the requirements in writing.