Question:
I have United Healthcare of KY, has anyone had any problems with them?

I was wondering if anyone has had any problems with them, getting them to approve for the surgery or what not. I am in the process of hoping to have the surgery, my family doctor approves of it and I will be seeing the surgeon next week, I also have co-morbities to go with it. So I was wondering if there was something that would help me along in getting it approved without a doubt. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!    — Kim D. (posted on September 11, 2000)

September 11, 2000
Kim, I have UHC of KY and they have an iron-clad exclusion. I'm sorry to drop this on you, but my surgeon and the folks from RiteWeigh tell me this is THE WORST company to deal with in the state of KY. It took them around 4 months to get around to sending me a denial letter. I am hopeful to be able to change insurance coverage after the first of the year. I wish there were a way to hold UHC of KY accountable for the mental turmoil this exclusion puts people through. I hope everyone who gets approval counts their blessings. Best of luck to you.
   — jeff P.

September 12, 2000
Kim, I have United Healthcare of Maryland/Virginia. I believe they are all the same company. I have Select Plus POS coverage and I was approved in 2 days. I had my primary care physician send in a letter saying he thought that RNY surgery "constitutes an appropriate and potentially life-saving treatment". I think if you get that you should be fine unless Kentucky United Healthcare is THAT much different then what I have here. Good luck!! Sam
   — Sam C.

March 29, 2004
I am physically sick to my stomach. I know exACTly what you're going through. I just found out (after scheduling all sorts of pre-op testing, getting a new Gyne and a rush appointment) that my employer's policy has the verbiage "SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDES ANY SURGERY FOR WEIGHT LOSS". I'm an emotional wreck. I don't see this as a stumbling block, I see it as a Dead End. I spoke with the UHC customer service department supervisor (after getting flippant remarks from the reps I spoke with), who told me no matter how many physicians (PCP, surgeon, etc.) wrote letters stating the medical necessity of this surgery, they were obligated by my employer's instruction and policy to deny any and all claims. I. Just. Don't. Know. What. To. Do. Does ANYONE have any words of wisdom?
   — Shannon B.

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