Surgeon vs. Insurance (rather detailed)

Sooo. I went to my initial consultation yesterday, And while i was filling out my "new patient" info this paper says Aetna, Cigna and GHI must do a 6 months supervised diet. So me with UHC as primary and Aetna as secondary i figured im okay. So just to make sure I asked my surgeon would i have to complete one he says "UHC oh no you'll be fine. Go do you specialzed tests, when your done well schedule a 2nd consultation" Okay.. But I called my insurance and the rep told me after many other qualifications that they want to see a 6 months sup diet with in the last 2 years... blah blah... But that was like the last thing on this list... Like it wasnt important. (p.s. i went to my surgeon's page on this website.. click on his UHC patients and no one profile spoke of a sup diet)  So my question to you Insurance wiz is. Are all UHC policies the same or can one UHC policy holder have to do a diet and another does not? I really dont want to be slapped in the face with this 3 months later when i think im just getting my date!

UHC speciically states in their medical policy you must have the 6 month supervised diet.- so unless you are in a very large self insured employer that has more liberal medical policy, you probably have to meet the 6 month diet.

Usually only very large self insured accounts can bypass corporate medical policy.



https://www.unitedhealthcareonline.com/ccmcontent/ProviderII /UHC/en-US/Assets/ProviderStaticFiles/ProviderStaticFilesPdf /Tools%20and%20Resources/Policies%20and%20Protocols/Medical% 20Policies/Medical%20Policies/Bariatric_Surgery.pdf

Better get started on your 6 months supervised dieting ASAP.  And while I LOVE my surgeon and his staff, I find that I have to be my OWN advocate and not take anyone's word on insurance requirements.  Make sure you document all and follow insurance requirements to a T!
Good luck!