I talked to United Health Care and they told me i have no pre op diet requirements, does that mean after my appointments with the nurse practitioner, nutritionist, psychologist, etc i am ready for surgery?

I have united and I had to follow a 6 month supervised WL program. It could just be my level, but that’s what I was required

Me Too when I had it, seems to be Standard.

Called United Health Care again and this time they said 6 month supervised diet. Whoever I talked to the first time sure got my hopes up!

I have UHC and I had to do the 6-month supervised diet. You should be talking to Optum Healthcare, and get assigned a Bariatric Services Nurse. Have you called them yet? That's the first step (and required) with UHC. I believe the number is: 866-534-7209

Edited August 13, 20188 yr by _Shane_
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Just had surgery and have United also check i did not need all the supervised visits etc. But they did require 5 year of previous weight records. Also to make sure my dr. Made me do 3 months of nutrition visit plus some test. Paper work submited July 10 approved July 13 and surgery July 25. Congrats on the journey. Good luck with insurance.

I've attached a PDF of the latest UHC medical policy which does include a 6-month diet requirement:

"The individual must also meet the following criteria:
o Documentation of a motivated attempt of weight loss through a structured diet program, prior to bariatric surgery, which includes physician or other health care provider notes and/or diet or weight loss logs from a structured weight loss program for a minimum of 6 months;"

I've been preaching against these diet programs for many, many years ( "June Gloom" & Bariatric Surgery Insurance Denials ) because there is no evidence showing these delays improve outcomes. They are especially dangerous to start towards the end of the year because of the risk that coverage might change after January 1st.

Good luck and I hope this information helps any UHC folks out there!

Regards, Walter Lindstrom

UHC bariatric-surgery.pdf

Edited August 14, 20188 yr by Walter Lindstrom Jr.
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My paperwork will be sent in tomorrow. I have United health care. How long does it usually take for a response? Are they quick to deny?