Hi! I am new to all this, but hoping for a little advice.

My insurance only will cover 50% of weight loss surgery. I have UHC Choice Plus. Because I would have to pay so much out of pocket, I was leaning towards the lap band. The more I read up on the different surgeries though, I really feel that the Sleeve is the surgery for me.

I am seeking approval through my insurance, but when I called with the code (listed on this site), my insurance told me this code doesn't exist.

Does that just mean "my" insurance doesn't cover this code? Am I doing something wrong?

I can't afford the full surgery out of pocket... and not 100% sold on traveling to Mexico.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

Mel in Chicago

OHHHH LOL, do NOT accidentally dial 1-800 instead of 1-888 for that number Mary posted!! I got some kind of bondage sex number. First it said if you are under 18 you must hang up NOW so I was like well that's cuz they dont want to do surgery on someone under 18 and then this really sexy voice started talking and said something about the number one bondage blah blah blah number. Tooooo funny!!!

WOW! Bondage...Now that's an interesting (NOT!) way to lose weight. Glad you got yourself straight about that phone number. :001_smile:

Oh that was too funny Mary!! I was like, "what the heck, now why would someone post a number like that instead of the real number to UHC?" Then, I re-read your post and hit re-dial on my phone and needless to say the two numbers didn't match, LOL Operator error

The Bariatric Resources is kind of like an answering service for the UHC people that run the program. Be prepared to wait a while before they call you back. I waited about 2 weeks and then I was not home when they called. Then they called again about a week later. I got an appointment with a Bariatric Nurse to call me back on 3/10 and she will be able to answer questions, and will be my caseworker, so to speak. Be patient. It will be worth it in the long run.

I actually had a pretty quick turn around time with those initial phone calls. I think I got a person the first time I called. Then, the next person called me back within a couple of days. That second call is when you answer some very basic questions and schedule your intake type call with the case manager. I had to wait about a week and half for this last step because I called around Thanksgiving. Be careful to schedule your call with the case manager at a time you know you can pick up the phone and talk uninterrupted for about 20 to 30 minutes or you will end up playing phone tag. I left my cell as my call back number and kept it in my pocket at the time my call was due. She called to the minute of our appointment time.

kkandrod - I think you should definitely call the BRC center before going to any appointments. That's how they want you to do it, so why rock the boat. I too have heard that the approval process is effortless if you follow the steps. I've also heard from a couple of sources that they don't care if you loose an ounce during your six months. Now, your doctor may have some requirements in this area, but not UHC. My doctor only requires that his patients not gain anything once he has seen them for a consult. He doesn't require any loss before surgery. Thank goodness for this bit of sanity in the process! :001_smile:

Awesome! I'll be calling them today :-)