Question:
I'm confused now. UHC wants me to appear at the 2nd level hearing

should I take an attorney? And they conduct the hearings M-Th from 9 - 1P.M. Can anyone tell me what to expect, what to take with me, what to do, what not to do, should I ask my doctor to go with me? I'm stumped because I thought the 2nd appeal would be in writing.    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 7, 2001)

August 8, 2001
I had my 2nd level hearing with UHC via conference call (could not get away from work). The idea is to have copies of all of your documentation ready to hand to refer to, should there be any specific question. The only thing they asked me was to defend why this surgery could be covered. After I recovered my composure from being so angry I could hardly speak (they had copies of all of the documentation, too), I did the best I could. Maybe I should have been more dramatic in my presentation, but somehow clubbing them over the head with the file (which is about 1.5"thick!) would seem to have been even more counterproductive. They denied me on the second level, too. I wish you lots of good luck, certainly better than mine! P.S.--If you do do a conference call, send in another complete copy of all of your documentation about 10 days in advance VIA CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED. You will then have proof that it was received by their headquarters and who signed for it.
   — Marjorie B.