Very same battle with M.D.IPA (United Healthcare), received different responses from several customer serv rep for the same question. I was so frustrated and could not sleep that I wrote a letter to the CEO, Mr. Thomas Barbera regarding this matter and how he needed to re-train his employees and how they should know each step to advise patients on all of their covered benefits. I had to remain a bull dog and call each day and finally the surgeon's office called me and informed me of the approval. You would think since I spoke with M.D.IPA just about everyday and they had it documented on their system, they would have called me but that is okay because what the LORD has intended for you no man on this earth can take it away!! Surgery date is April 4, 2006, please keep me in your prayers and I will do the same for you all.:)