Question:
Anybody have a UHC number???

I called the number on my UHC card to ask about approval. The customer service person was very unhelpful and, actually, rather snotty. She said the doctor has to contact them with all of the paperwork, etc. I told her they had, and I was trying to check on my status. She kept telling me that the doctor has to do that. I know other people have talked to HELPFUL insurance people. Would anybody out there who has United Health Care have the number of someone who could be of help to me?? Also, how long did it take to get approved? THANKS!    — anapple4theteacher (posted on October 30, 2003)

October 30, 2003
Here's the one on my card 800-782-9883
   — Mona R.

October 30, 2003
UHC received hubby's request on 10/15 and he got his approval letter in the mail today. When you call, choose the option that makes you think you are chosing to tell them you are in hospital (opt 2?) and that will take you to a care coordinator. To go thru cust serv can be a nightmare.........
   — lessofme170

October 30, 2003
Call them back and ask for the customer care coordination depts number, then call them. They know more than the regular operators. I got the number from the regular operators who help you. Mine took 3 weeks, It just depends on how busy they are! GOOD LUCK!
   — Saxbyd

October 30, 2003
Ok, I worked for UHC for years----you need to use the number on YOUR card, other peoples numbers will take you to the wrong place. When you call, ask for the Care Coordination people. These are the people that actually do the 'approvals' for your surgery. You still may get rude people there as well, but they are the ones you need to talk to. UHC has a policy that anything received has to be done within 30 days. MOST things are handled within 10. 10 days from the time they receive it. Hope this helps :)
   — RebeccaP

October 30, 2003
So call and tell them you are from the doctor's office.
   — catleth

October 30, 2003
I went through this with UHC. Just call back. If they give you another number (say for CARE coodination) don't bother calling, its all the same thing just at different locations. Here are other numbers you can try...866-297-9393 and 800-213-1928. HOWEVER...You should be able to get the information you need from that number on your card. Just call and say "I am calling to check the status of a predetermination letter that was sent in (or recieved if you know the date it was recieved)" They'll tell you either, we don't have it or its in review. (YOU WANT IT IN REVIEW!). Ask them to give you an ETA and then thank them. Keep calling until someone gives you the information. Your doctor DOES NOT need to call. It took me 4 months to get approval from UHC, but finally got it. Email me if you need more help!
   — Renee B.

October 31, 2003
ORIGINAL POSTER HERE. I called the number on my card, chose option 2 (surgery or hospitalization notification) got a customer care coordinator and found out that I was APPPROVED YESTERDAY!! The paperwork should be in the mail today. THANKS everyone!
   — anapple4theteacher