UHC/Lapband Solutions and approval - what has been your experience?

bling · February 14, 2008

So, I have UHC with LapBand being covered. Only thing, I have to have 2 co-mobidities (which I do). I submitted my medical records yesterday to LBS that show the High Cholesterol and shows where they decided to put me on BP meds due to high BP. How long should I expect to wait for UHC to approve the surgery?

I am going thru Lapband solutions, so they should work pretty fast (from what I am understanding). The lady at LBS told me 7 to 10 days, but I'm so hoping it's sooner then that.

What has been your experience with UHC and LapBand Solutions?

gunn4ya · February 14, 2008

I have UHC and it took about a month to get me an approval. Good luck to you.

newimage · February 14, 2008

I have UHC-Choice Plus. I was approved in a week. I guess it depends on when they get all the information they need to evaluate your case. Congradulations and Good Luck!!

QuasiTova · February 14, 2008

So, I have UHC with LapBand being covered. Only thing, I have to have 2 co-mobidities (which I do). I submitted my medical records yesterday to LBS that show the High Cholesterol and shows where they decided to put me on BP meds due to high BP. How long should I expect to wait for UHC to approve the surgery?
I am going thru Lapband solutions, so they should work pretty fast (from what I am understanding). The lady at LBS told me 7 to 10 days, but I'm so hoping it's sooner then that.

What has been your experience with UHC and LapBand Solutions?

Are you going to Dr Adam Smith? That is who did my band :cursing:

He is INCREDIBLE! As is everyone in his office!

I also have UHC.

Nancy submitted my claim to UHC, and handled all of the correspondence. I never even had to talk to UHC. I was approved in a WEEK! I did not know it had even been submitted, and I got a letter in the mail saying I was approved. SHOCK!

MY UHC did not require 2 co-morbilities, just 5 years history of BMI over 40 (I only had four years history because I never go to the doctor) or 35 with co-morbilities. I was worried that I might have to wait another year, but I didn't :mellow:

They also required one visit with a psychologist, and one with a dietician. I did both of those appointments within two days after my first appointment with Dr Smith.

You will L-O-V-E LBS. I cannot say enough good things about them.

I have already recommended several others to them from my job, and people I meet on the street.... I carry his business cards with me... lol

mom007 · February 14, 2008

I am having problems getting approved through UHC but not because of UHC, because the Dr.'s office submitted it with an out-of-network Dr. and facility. It was originally submitted Jan 29th, found out on Feb 8th it was denied because of the out-of-network thing. That same day I called the Dr.'s office and had them resubmit it with their in network Dr. and as of this morning "it's still in review". I had read about the quick approvals with UHC so I'm disappointed that it was submitted it wrong to begin with and that just drug it out another 10 days. Otherwise, I think I would be getting banded tomorrow if it had been done right in the first place.

BTW-I'm now using Dr. Marsden but originally went through TrueResults in Dallas.

Good Luck!

QuasiTova · February 14, 2008

I am having problems getting approved through UHC but not because of UHC, because the Dr.'s office submitted it with an out-of-network Dr. and facility. It was originally submitted Jan 29th, found out on Feb 8th it was denied because of the out-of-network thing. That same day I called the Dr.'s office and had them resubmit it with their in network Dr. and as of this morning "it's still in review". I had read about the quick approvals with UHC so I'm disappointed that it was submitted it wrong to begin with and that just drug it out another 10 days. Otherwise, I think I would be getting banded tomorrow if it had been done right in the first place.
BTW-I'm now using Dr. Marsden but originally went through TrueResults in Dallas.

Good Luck!

I am sorry for your delay. This is the perfect example of how it is a lot of times the Doctor's office and not the insurance company that causes the issues and delays. I think a lot of people tend to blame the insurance company when they should really be looking at the physician's office. (I am not saying that YOU are doing this, just that I see a lot of people who talk bad about the insurance companies when maybe it isn't their fault).

I found my doctor through True Results too... Dr Adam Smith in Fort Worth. He is AWESOME!

I have heard good things about Dr Marsden too :cursing:

Hopefully, you will hear something soon!

*keeping fingers crossed for you*

NYGMEN · February 14, 2008

I also have UHC-Choice Plus. I was approved in about 8 days. But i did have all my ducks in line. Psyc / 5 years / Stress test done / MRI of back and neck / 6mo Doctor diet / letters from my PCP

QuasiTova · February 14, 2008

I also have UHC-Choice Plus. I was approved in about 8 days. But i did have all my ducks in line. Psyc / 5 years / Stress test done / MRI of back and neck / 6mo Doctor diet / letters from my PCP

Wow, they required a lot from you.

I see so many variations of what is being required. I am starting to think that it is not the insurance company itself who sets the guidelines, but rather the plan that your employer chooses.

NYGMEN · February 14, 2008

Wow, they required a lot from you.
I see so many variations of what is being required. I am starting to think that it is not the insurance company itself who sets the guidelines, but rather the plan that your employer chooses.

That's 100% right

bling · February 14, 2008

The only thing I need (according to Lapband Solutions via UHC) is either 40+ BMI or under 40 BMI with 2 co-mobidities.

I am around 36 or so with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Shoot, if they need MRIs of my back/neck, I have many of those too, as well as one of my head.....

I am hoping that's all that is needed and it seems to be what Lapband Solutions seems to think I need after speaking with UHC....

BTW, I am going to use Dr Felts here in Richardson.

gingerbug · February 14, 2008

I have UHC choice plus. My BMI was barely 40 and I had 5 years documented failed diets - I just had my GYN get together all the dates and weights I had for every year I had been in for the last 5. All my weights fluctuated wildly. I had my approval in less than 3 weeks. Piece of cake.

sahmof3 · February 14, 2008

I have UHC Choice Plus and was approved in 4 days. I have a BMI over 40 and the beginnings of high blood pressure and high cholesterol but not taking medicine for the yet.

Now my best friend has UHC and we are using the same doctor. She has BMI over 40 and several co-mobidities. Her information was submitted two weeks before mine and she is still waiting on approval. This has fallen back on the doctor's office not sending it to the right fax number, not sending everything, etc. I lucked out and everything was done correctly.

I guess they have their good days and bad days too.

TRENYA07 · February 15, 2008

I was approved by UHC-Choice Plus in 1 week. I received a call yesterday and I'm scheduled for surgery 2/26. My BMI is >40 and I have no comorbidities....

destiny79 · February 18, 2008

I was approved in 1 week with a BMI over 40 no other health problems

luluc · February 18, 2008

The only thing I need (according to Lapband Solutions via UHC) is either 40+ BMI or under 40 BMI with 2 co-mobidities.
I am around 36 or so with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Shoot, if they need MRIs of my back/neck, I have many of those too, as well as one of my head.....

I am hoping that's all that is needed and it seems to be what Lapband Solutions seems to think I need after speaking with UHC....

BTW, I am going to use Dr Felts here in Richardson.

Good Luck - Dr Felts is my Doc as well, :unsure: