United Health Care

I just found out that my health insurance will be changing to United before I have my surgery.  I need any helpful information about how to get my surgery approved through United.  I have heard they are a horror to deal with so any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks a bunch and have a great day.

For me- I called them a few times while I was getting started in the process just to make sure it was covered & what the criteria was for WLS.  My policy is BMI over 40, patient over 21, and 5 years MO documented by a doctor.  They also said I needed to go to a Center of Excellence.  The biggest hassle (which wasn't even a real hassle) was getting my doctors notes from the past 5 years.  (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)  I got the doctors visit from each year where I had the highest weight, had them circle the weight and highlight the date on the notes.  Brought the notes to my initial visit & about a week or so later was told I had an authorization on the procedure code for Lap RNY.   I did research & went in with what I needed.  I also used to work for an insurance company so I know that if you have what you need (and ONLY what you need) you'll have an easier time.  The thing about United is they do take longer to approve, whereas BCBS tends to give approvals basically the next day.