United Health Care

I am just starting this process. I have United Health Care through my husbands job, It does cover gastric surgery, through approval by the care department. My question can anyone tell me about the process and how long it takes. What do they require to give you the approval. I have asked these questions and I am told that you have to have a BMI of 40 or better ( I do have that at 41.0) but other than that they havnt really told me anything. Thanks S

I don't know if United Healthcare varies w/ what policy you have etc... I can tell you my experience though--- well my Hubby's experience. We have United Healthcare- Choice Plus. When I called to verify coverage they stated they cover for a BMI 35+. Hubby was required (Not sure how much was his surgeons requirements, and how much was UHC's requirements) to have: Cardiac Clearance for surgery Pulmonologist Clearance for surgery Pysch Clearance 2 years medical records A letter from his PCP supporting the decision A personal letter requesting surgery There was no diet history needed, no proof of 5 years obesity. Everything went very smoothly and he recieved his approval first time, in 7 days. Good luck!

The best thing you can do is have you referring doctor(s) call UHC customer servie and get it on record why you are a candidate for surgery. This is the one thing that insured I was approved! Good luck!

I have United Healthcare and they have denied me coverage. I have also filed a complaint with the Dept. of Insurance. I have x-rays and a letter from my orthopetist stating how badly I need this surgery. Is there anything else that anyone knows of that I can do to get approved for the surgery through UHC? Sheri Baton Rouge, LA