Question for anyone who used UHC for their VSG

I currently have Kaiser now but will be switching over to UHC next year. Just wanted to know would if I got a jump start on my 6 month nutritional counseling with a kaiser nutritionist this year will UHC allow me to count that for next year? I'm just trying to get everything together so I won't have to wait an additional 6 months, come on that June 2014 I'm ready to get sleeved now

Every plan is different really and whether they allow that is determined by your employer. I have UHC but any major changes to the program like that I was told required to start over. But again, each plan is different. Is there anyone in your HR/benefits team that you can consult with directly about this to explain the situation?

Best of luck!

Hey Jessica,

Yeah I contacted UHC and they told me more than likely they would want me to start over but however I want to appeal that because I thinks it makes no sense to start over again when I've completed 6 months prior already.

I had BCBS Tx and started Preop with them but after January 1, 2012 went to UHC. UHC accepted all I had done with BCBS and my surgery date was set for 1/28/12. No problems

Wow well that gives me a little hope I'm still gonna start going to the nutritionist anyways just incase so come January all I will have to do is take the tests and then submit the paperwork and PRAY that they accept it.

I have UHC and used it for my surgery last year. My plan didn't require any 6 month diet, only requirement was 5 year history of BMI of 40 and above or 35 with 2 co morbidities.

Hi Pam- I just wanted to mention as well after seeing another post that my insurance plan with UHC didn't require the 6 month plan (when I had BCBS they did), so that maybe the loop hole that you are looking for. Maybe talk to HR or benefits to see if there will be a 6 month requirement or not. Seems silly that UHC would ask you to redo your visits with the other Dr.s for the same exact thing!

Good luck!

My insurance requirement was to have 6 months of documented weight loss counseling but within the previous 2 years.  They did not look at what insurance company who paid for it, they looked at the notes from the doctor.  They could have been self pay for all they cared.

I don't have UHC, but some insurance companies require that the 6 monthly visits happen within x amount of time prior to surgery.  Basically, using your logic (which I like, by the way), I could use the 6 months that I was on Jenny Craig 8 years ago as meeting my requirement.  The insurance companies won't go for that.

if you know for sure that the UHC you will have offers wls, then definitely start the documentation!  I was told 6 mos concurrent....if I had been in WW for that time, it would have counted, but a monthly doc or nutritionist should count.  jenny craig, or any other legit, recognized weight loss path should be good too.

best of luck to you!
Sophie