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Did your insurance cover davinci?

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Posted 12/5/2006 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

For those of you who have had DaVinci.  Did your insurance cover it, and if so what health insurance do/did you have?

We have United Healthcare in Colorado.  We can't get a straight answer out of them, and are going to ask the DaVinci surgeon we are meeting with, but would be nice to know ahead of time what other's persons' experiences are. 

Also, has anyone had DaVinci at a VA hospital associated with a University Hospital?  We haven't even looked into that route, but was wondering. 

Thanks for any responses,

Tanya and Ken

Posted 12/5/2006 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
BSBS of Alabama has covered most of mine.
Posted 12/5/2006 2:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Izzy: Yep, I've got United Healthcare and they're covering everything. I'm headed for the DaVinci tomorrow morning. Call UHC's customer service line. They've answered all my questions.

Best wishes on your journey.

George

Posted 12/5/2006 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
As with Dawgfan BCBS of Alabama covered all of mine this year but next year the benefits change and they will only cover 90% of the cost. I guess I got lucky having PC this year but I find that hard to say.

Tamu
Posted 12/5/2006 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
My company Lifewise of Oregon is balking at paying. They first said it was experimental then backed off, after I contacted the manufacturer and they put me in touch whith a person that flooded them with  facts of it not being experimental. Now they say say it wasn't medically neccessary to have a robot and there is also a billing code war going on with them and the doctor. My doctor is amember of their "network" so I think it will get worked out. They paid the hospital and I know for a fact they have also paid on two other robotic surgeries done by  my doctors group. Anyway United Health was one of the companies along with CIGNA and I can't remember who else was listed in the ladies letters to my insurance company that recognize the robot and pay on it. You should be just fine with United Health. They have paid on this robotic surgery before, and will pay on yours.
Posted 12/5/2006 4:04 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Tanya & Ken,

I also have United Health Care coverage, and they covered all the expenses. My DaVinci procedure was performed at the George Washington University Hospital. I am not aware of any VA hospital affiliations that GWU Hosp. may have. You should contact them for more info.

Glen

Posted 12/5/2006 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
I checked this a.m. with UHC after your question and they said since I had met my deductible for the year and out of pocket that 100% from here on out would be covered. After biopsy, bone scan, cat scan, and MRI filled up those so I would expected but good to have peace of mind going in.
Posted 12/5/2006 7:54 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks all, good news to hear. 

Posted 12/6/2006 11:29 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Izzy, have you decided on your treatment?  I'm meeting my radiation oncologist the 14th and unless he says something big time to change my mind, I'm going with the IGRT.  Keep us all informed about what you're going to do.

Regards,

Bill

Posted 12/6/2006 11:43 PM (GMT 0)

we have a meeting on the 26th with the robotic guy and a meeting on January 5th with an oncologist. (might have these reversed don't have my calendar up, but think that is the order). 

We also are squeezing in a colonoscopy on the 3rd of January (thought we should get that out of the way before any prostate surgery, since they did remove a polyp three years ago, so might as well get that done too ... figured it woul be more difficult to tolerate after the surgery). 

haven't totally made up our minds.  but leaning towards the da vinci at the new urology center they have just opened here. 

we will keep you updated, keep us updated on your progress too.

Thanks,

Tanya and Ken

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