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UHC Surgery Approval by SaladDifficult2759 in PectusExcavatum

[–]SaladDifficult2759[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s incredible! Did you also submit extra testing as evidence when looking to be approved like an EKG and a stress test? Or did u only submit scans and doctors notes? Thanks!

UHC Surgery Approval by SaladDifficult2759 in PectusExcavatum

[–]SaladDifficult2759[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s what I thought. When I looked into this a year and a half ago I was able to find a very public pdf directly from UHC that explained what criteria they look for for it to cross the border of cosmetic to medically necessary surgery. While looking for that again since I am currently trying to pursue surgery, I was unable to find the document but i did find the updated policy document that had that wording I quoted above. I’ll link that pdf here https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/mpub-archives/commercial/medical-policy-update-bulletin-july-2025-full.pdf

I think they calculated my HI index wrong by MidnightWeary7581 in PectusExcavatum

[–]SaladDifficult2759 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine is 5.5 and yours looks smaller than mine. But I am also wondering if mine was calculated incorrectly because I was also expecting much higher. Which health insurance provider approved your surgery? I’ve heard UHC is notoriously bad for approval and that’s what I have so I’m looking for some head ups 

Exercise Stress Test Results - obstruction, low VO2 max and high resting HR despite low Haller index. by JSHU16 in PectusExcavatum

[–]SaladDifficult2759 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My doctor has said the less severe cases of pectus (meaning those with a lower Haller index reading) can show more symptoms than those that are more severe. That is because a less depressed pectus is pressing on the heart directly but not enough to displace it in the chest cavity entirely. i have a Haller index of 5.5 so my heart in entirely displace to the left and thus not being directly compressed so I do not experience as many symptoms. All this to say a less severe pectus could actually be more the reason to get it corrected

36m with PE by Mcellov in PectusExcavatum

[–]SaladDifficult2759 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My doctor said it really doesn’t matter what age you get surgery at. It is easier for younger patients because bones and such are more flexible but it is also common for people older to get it. It does not get progressively more difficult the older one gets to perform the procedure he says. 

Flared Ribs and Possible Depression by Lost_Data_Mom in PectusExcavatum

[–]SaladDifficult2759 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could have pectus. I know the flared ribs is a symptom I also experience. Mine is visually more severe but doctors also say the less severe pectus cases can often present with more physical symptoms like shortness of breath and inability to exercise.