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Old 03-02-2010, 09:59 PM
eileen15565 eileen15565 is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 21
15 yr Member
eileen15565 eileen15565 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 21
15 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SandyRI View Post
I filed pre-determination papers with United Healthcare (I have a PPO Plan) for my upcoming 10 day outpatient ketamine infusions, with multiple day boosters afterwards (maybe 12 boosters just in the first couple of months).

United Healthcare sent me a denial letter, stating that "The Plan excludes coverage for therapies considered unproven, and the Ketamine is not covered." I immediately filed an appeal, stating that ketamine infusions are a recognized treatment for CRPS. I wanted to get the appeal on record as quickly as possible, so I faxed a quick letter the day after I spoke on the phone with one of their reps - before I even received a written documentation of the denial in the mail.

Based on discussions that I have seen here and elsewhere, it seems that there are many individuals that have managed to get United Healthcare to cover some of their outpatient ketamine infusions. How exactly did you go about it? Did it require enormous amounts of paperwork and long letters with lots of references to scientific literature? Or a phone call from your treating physician? How long did it take? Were you denied more than once?

Thanks for any advice and help you can provide. The cost for my treatments will approximate $30-$35K. My doctor requires cash, the only insurance he accepts is WC (which has also denied my treatments so far). So United Healthcare's funds would be a reimbursement to us for monies outlaid for my care (by my parents).

XOXOX Sandy

I had my appt. with Dr. Schwartzman yesterday and he recommended ketamine infusions. He wants me to do the 5 day but my insurance won't cover it. I have United Health care too. The women in the office who handles the insurance told me they won't cover it. She said the 5 day would be $18,000. The 10 day is $4,500 not including the dr's fees which my insurance will cover the dr's. Just wondering who gave you the price of $35,000? Did you see Dr. Schwartzman?
I was told that the price for the boosters is $200.00
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"Thanks for this!" says:
Kakimbo (03-05-2010), SandyRI (03-03-2010)