Question:
Has anyone been approved through United Healthcare select plus pos that hasn't had 6

months consecutive doctor supporvised diets? I have a total of 16 months but they aren't consecutive. The most I have is 8 but one of those months my appointment was canceled & rescheduled for 4 days later but it was a different month. So it looks like I skipped a month. Is this going to be a problem? Please if someone knows tell me. Thanks Paula    — Paula G. (posted on August 9, 2002)

August 9, 2002
Paula, I was approved with uhc this monday 8-5-02, i went for my first sonsultation on jul 3rd and had a few dr supervised diets. I had no problem with uhc I was approved the first time, all the people I have talked to who said they had no problems w uhc, I tried to get this surgery back in 95 and was denied so when I tried this time I thought it would be the same result but I guess they have finally realized that it is not cosmetic but needed for good health. I am so thankful for uhc I have had them for my ins carrier for almost 10 yrs and they have been great! I am sure you will get approved, it took me about a month to get my approval. Good luck, keep me updated. Gran
   — grania C.

August 10, 2002
The only way you won't have trouble with uhc is if it is the ppo or some other special branch of uhc. If it is just normal uhc then it most likely will not be covered. Just call the number on the back of your id card and ask if wls is a covered expense. I was approved after the first try within 1 month and only had one supervised diet by a physician and I know for sure they did not check with him. I could have said Daffy Duck put me on a diet. Good luck and best I can tell it depends on the uhc you have mine is the ppo.
   — Peggy A.

August 10, 2002
Hi Paula! I have UHC Select Plus POS and was approved in less than 2 weeks. My surgeon submitted the letter of necessity for approval and in it he outlined my co-morbitities (I didn't have many) and I also sent in a huge letter along with photos (I was hoping shock value would sway their decision!) but I didn't need it. It was very quick and painless and I did not need any documentation of previous doctor supervised weight loss attempts. I did have my own 15-year diet history outlines out with very specific details but I dont think they ever even saw that. Email me if you have any other questions!
   — Alli B.