hi everyone! I just started the process of getting approved for surgery. I have an HRA with United Health Care through Wells Fargo. While the insurance specialist at my office is working on obtaining her sign on for my insurance to verify benefits and requirements (the center I am going to just became a COE for my plan a few days ago), she had me call my insurance to verify. They advised me that there is NO diet requirement - just the basic testing, psych evaluation, and the BMI/co-morbidities. When I called her back to let her know today, she said that sounded pretty odd because almost EVERY insurance requires it. Does anyone on here have experience/information with the Wells Fargo HRA about this? I was getting my hopes up to get this done by the end of the year, as I am getting married in 7 months and would really like to have this done and be well on the road to recovery. Thanks in advance for any responses.

Hi, I don't know about Wells Fargo, but I do work for a major firm and have UHC insurance. I contacted UHC 1/3/17 to let them know my interest in WLS, they referred me to COE, which I saw mid Jan and started seeing dietician for 6 months. I had my sleeve surgery 9/26/17. Oh, I forgot to mention I was pre approved by UHC in July.

HW 286, 1/3/17
PreOp W 263
SW 256
CW 248

No regrets! My out of pocket was $421.00 I had to pay prior to surgery. Day 5 and I feel pretty good:)

I also have uhc my criteria is 40+ BMI psych evaluation and 6 mo supervised diet what were your prior auth requirements? How long did the prior auth take?

31 minutes ago, tracysantiago said:

I also have uhc my criteria is 40+ BMI psych evaluation and 6 mo supervised diet what were your prior auth requirements? How long did the prior auth take?

I guess I should have posted on here once I finally got to the bottom of everything, huh?

My criteria was BMI of 40+ and the psych evaluation.

I went to my first informational class the end of August, 2017. I have my first consultation appointment the very end of September. My insurance does NOT require a 6 month supervised diet. I did have two dietician/exercise coach visits to help establish healthy habits while waiting for everything else.

I had to be tested for H. Pylori, as well as get my A1C and Thyroid checked. My psych evaluation had to be through an Optum referred Psychologist, but it was a breeze. My doctor submitted to insurance on November 6th, and they received approval on November 8th. My surgery date is Monday, December 11th!

The whole process has been such a breeze. Good luck to you, @tracysantiago!

Good luck on Monday.

Thank you so much @ewilliams4491 for the well wishes!