Anyone with United Health Care insurance?

I am currently with BC/BS of NC, and they still have the Vertical Sleeve Gasterectomy (VSG) listed as investigational.  I was wondering if anyone here on the NC board has UHC insurance, and if so, does it cover the VSG??  My husband has his own business and has said he would be willing to look into switching coverage for his company  on July 1st if I could find out whether or not they would cover the VSG surgery for me.  I'd sure appreciate any help anyone could give me.  Thanks!

Hi Cew,

I have UHC, but had RNY so I can't answer your question. I do have a couple of suggestions for you though. First, try cross posting this to the main, VSG and Insurance forums. You're likely to 'catch more fish' with a wider net.

Secondly, contact UHC directly to find out what they cover.

Good luck,

Barb

I have United health care through my husbanc with EMC....I was told by Beth at DUKE that they would not cover a gastric sleeve..she also told me no insurance in NC covered it.......   I thought I would have to have it due to pior surgerys but all went well and i had the RNY...  I did find out that .if they have to make the decission to to a gastric sleave in the OR then the insurance will have to cover it.....hope that helps~Mary~

Some insurnace companies will cover it as a 2 stage procedure. If your BMI is very high then your surgon's office can try asking for a 2 stage procedure w/ the first stage a VSG. I have seen those approved. There is a doctor somewhere close to Charlotte that is submitting as the open code and getting them approved however I am not sure if he is doing them open or lap. From my experence neither BCBS or UHC cover the Lap VSG right now. You can always contact obesitylaw.com and they might be able to help you out.  Good Luck!

I have UHC and they do not cover VS as far as I am aware.  Mine would not even cover the lapband..or maybe that was just in my case.