Question:
I have United Healthcare Options PPO and HMSA PPO

has anyone had any luck with approval from either of these insurances? Did it take very long for you to become approved or was it a long drawn out ordeal?    — Ryan F. (posted on July 14, 2002)


July 14, 2002
I have United Health Care PPO. They approved me in 7 days without any questions asks. I'm 5'5 and was about 263 lbs at the time my papers were submitted. Goodd Luck! You should have no problem with UHC.
   — Adele S.

July 14, 2002
I have UHC PPO with options and they approved me in 1 week. You have to be morbidly obese, I think a BMI of at least 40.Good Luck. I'm passing over to the losing side in 9 days.
   — Becky F.

July 14, 2002
I have United Healthcare Options PPO. They have been wonderful. I was approved within about 5 minutes of getting in touch with one of their Nurse coordinators. They still had not received paperwork from my Dr. She called to verify my height and weight and called me back in 5 minutes to approve. The only thing I have had to pay for this surgery is 3 $10.00 co-pays and $41.00 to the hospital for the difference in a private and a semi-private room.
   — Gina E.

July 15, 2002
I have United Healthcare PPO and they were just wonderful. I called them prior to my consultation and got the name of the nurse that would be evaluating my case and her phone number and fax number so that I could give it to my surgeon when I went in for my consultation. They faxed my paperwork over to the nurse and I was approved (with letter in hand) in 7 days. I was verbally approved immediately when I called to see if they had received my paperwork. Their recommendation comes with a BMI of 40. I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other ailments, but they still approved me because I am considered morbidly obese. Make your phone calls early and try to get as much information as possible beforehand to help you understand what it is that you are going to have to pay for and what is covered and what is not. I believe with the plan that we have, everything is covered except your copays. Good luck to you.
   — blank first name B.

July 15, 2002
I also have United Healthcare PPO and my surgeon's office says they are the best insurer for approving bariatric surgery. If you look on the insurer's page of this website, you can pick your state and look up UHC. I'm in TX and there are 3 pages of responses from people with United and almost all of them had no problem getting approved as long as it's medically necessary. The only reason for denial I saw was if your employer has a specific policy exclusion. Hope this helps!!
   — Rose L.

July 15, 2002
After I did all the things the doctor's office required, I was approved with one phone call to United Health Care. I also have UHC PPO. Hows that for fast!@!!!!
   — Annie E.

July 15, 2002
Yes I did have issues with Options PPO, it took a month to get it approved because the kept giving me the run around, what you want to do is, contact your Member Services and get a supervisor on the line, ask them for your Care Coordination department for your area, and then give them the notification, and make sure you follow up with them.
   — Joseph H.




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