Johanna
Chandler,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sat, May 24, 2003
UnitedHealthcare is not as innocent as they'd like you to believe. I work for medical providers and in 1999 & 2000 UnitedHealthcare failed to pay over $550,000 worth of our claims. We were contracted providers at that time and UnitedHealthcare continually denied our claims as "non-participating provider, not a benefit". Well, we WERE providers and were assured for over a year & a half that it was a 'computer glitch" and the processors were simply using the wrong provider id#. However, instead of sending all of our patients to collections, we waited for our money. You may want to check with United again and have them check ALL the Dr's provider id#s and effective dates, as well as termination dates. If they are pulling the same scam with you and your doctors, I recommend contacting the AZ Department of Insurance. This wont be the first time theyve dealt with United.
Jennifer
Longwood,#3UPDATE Employee
Sat, May 17, 2003
I am a claims reviewer for United Health Care. I agree that it seems these doctors ripped you off. However, as a member of United Health Care you have the right (and this is explained in your certificate of coverage) to file an appeal and a grievance. This situation is NOT the fault of United Health Care. It is ALWAYS the member's responsibility to MAKE SURE the doctors they see are participating by calling United Health care FIRST if they are in any doubt as to whether the doctor is participating. Too many people blame their insurance company when they don't understand their rights AND responsibilities.