Hi, folks.  It looks as though Jeff is changing jobs again.  Does anyone have any experience with getting United Healthcare to approve IV/IG?
 

I do I will get you info.

Sorry I am taking so long, has this been taken care of?

Rita, please fill out your profile page.

My husband was able to get his IVIG treatments approved without any issue when we were on United Healthcare. I don't think they even asked for additional paperwork or anything, they just approved it. I hope you are successful!

I am so sorry to hear this news. 

Hello everyone,  Elizabeth's husband here.  Sorry it's been so long since we've responded but it's been an eventful few months.  I have vascular issues unrelated to scls, and as a result I had a femoral bypass that failed, then an above the knee amputation on my right leg.  I had at least one ivig treatment in the hospital but it seems UnitedHealthcare has denied my initial application for regular  IVIG treatments now.  We've been through this before, so I've referred them to both my current Dr.  Managing the issue, and Dr, Druey at NIH.  I'll keep everyone up to date as what I find out during the process in case it helps someone else going through this.  Any information with respect to United Healthcare would be appreciated.

thanks

Jeff

Jeff, I'm so very sorry to hear about your vascular issues and amputation!  Insurance companies often deny our IVIG treatments initially but then usually approve them upon appeal, because by now the evidence is pretty strong.  Beyond the testimonials that your physician and Dr. Druey can provide, let me know by separate email if you'd like me to send you a "CARE package" of the latest and best medical articles on IVIG for SCLS for you or your doctors to submit to your insurer.

Arturo

Thanks Arturo,  I should hear back Monday about how things are going, and if it looks negative I'll shoot you a note.  I appreciate it.

jeff

United Health Care has been paying for my IVIG for the last 8 years. They rejected my first request but no troubles after that.

Here's a quick update.  I was able to get ivig approved from United pretty easily.  It seemed that my provider, option care, thought that the approval was not enough.  They wanted payment up front for the treatment and I'd be responsible for getting reimbursed.  They though there wasn't enough data supporting the prescription. I had contact with United via a registered nurse who asked one of their medical directors to call option care and explain the diagnosis, and assure option care payment would be made.  Just in case others are faced with similar issues.

Jeff