Question:
can someone tell me the criteria you need for approval with united health care?

my husbands employer is swithching to uniteed health care aug.1,2003 from bcbsfl i was already approved with bcbsfl but for 8/01/03 but my ins. is changing that same day so I have to resubmit with UHC can someone tell me what they require for approval please thank you...    — marie M. (posted on June 24, 2003)

June 24, 2003
Each UHC policy is different. You will need to refer to his new policy or give them a call. Last year, there was no requirements on mine except the normal bmi requirements. This year, it has changed and now requires an 18-month physician supervised diet before you can be approved. But your employers plan will tell you what they require if anything.
   — joeandteri

June 24, 2003
I am still waiting for aproval with my UHC plan, however I am told by the horses mouths, ( i have checked and double checked and tripple checked), that all I need is a Morbid Obesity Diagnosis from a Dr. in the Plan. I am sorry that you have the isurance switcharoo to deal with... best of luck, so far everyone I have dealt with at UHC has been really great to deal with. I hope you transition is quick and painless...
   — colette73

June 24, 2003
I have United Health Care POS and when my surgeon submitted my forms I was approved within a week. They are very good in answering any questions you have about approval.
   — Twin R.

June 24, 2003
I have UHC and they only required a letter of medical necessity and a psych evaluation. I was approved in one week and had my surgery on June 11, 2003. My employer did not have a WLS exclusion
   — Earline V.

June 24, 2003
I had surgery in Feb. this year and UHC approved me in two weeks. All I needed was a letter from the surgeon stating that based on my medical tests it was a medical necessity. I had a lot of testing but it was required by my surgeon, not the insurance company.
   — Delores S.

June 24, 2003
All I needed was a letter of medical nessissity. So far, its been two weeks since my surgeon said they sent the stuff to UHC. They're really good. I call them nearly everyday and not once have I been rushed off the phone or anything. They are always willing to help and are very friendly. I've also had BC/BS...it was an 80/20 plan which covered NOTHING of anything of importance. You'll love UHC. UHC says it normally takes 30 days for approval.
   — Renee B.

June 26, 2003
Definitely depends on which plan your husband's employer chooses and if there is an exclusion in the plan. I have UHC Choice, with a written exclusion for "weight loss", not morbid obesity and have been denied twice. Have now submitted my second appeal.
   — Debbie B.