Question:
Has anyone gotten approval with United Healthcare PPO Continental Airlines In Texas?

My Company Continental Airlines is self-insured and advises that gastric bypass surgery can only be accepted through Co-Morbidities like diabetes,high blood pressure,knee degeneration etc... The insurance is playing a game that it could take up to 30 days for approval. Is this the insurance company or my Employer?    — flygirl55 (posted on February 19, 2004)

February 18, 2004
I also had United Healthcare and it took 8 months to get my approval. My husbands policy stated it was covered with proof of medical necessity (one of those co-morbitities). I gave all of that information, but it took taking it to the second level of appeals and 8 months of "lost" paperwork, info sent to the "wrong" department, etc. I don't know if it was a deliberate ploy or incompetent employees, but it was a fiasco. On the other hand, another employee got her approval in a little over a month. I also have seen other posts using UHC and had no trouble at all. I do not think it is your employer, Continental, however that will cause you any delay. It all stems from the insurance company and what your particular policy says. Do try to get a person's name and contact number though, it really helps to call one person and bug them instead of getting a new person every time you call. Hope this helps.
   — saltybichon

February 19, 2004
It all depends. I have UHC PPO and was told it would take 6 weeks, call us after 6 weeks for an answer. UHC called me back in 6 weeks. 6 days later UHC called my PCP to get update on medical info, PCP nurse called me to tell me, she said UHC is gonna call you tomorrow after they call the surgeon with their decion. One hour later UHC called me to say, YES, but you will see this surgeon and have this surgery, that is what we will cover for you. I thought is was great, exactly what I had wanted. I have had, Prudenital and BCBS and got nowhere til UHC, it just depends on your particular policy. Good Luck Patricia open rny 9-30-03 314/215/185?
   — pateblkbrn