Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

My doctor's office submitted my paperwork to Cigna on Friday morning. I called and they confirmed that they have received the paperwork. Anyone with Cigna OAP can give me some info on how long it took for approval. Im just nervous and ready to get rolling with my surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It took less than 2 weeks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I got approved in around 5 days

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too am waiting to hear from cigna...I had to do the mandatory 6month weigh ins with my primary Doctor,but missed 1 month.not sure if this will be to much of a problem considering I was very consistent with every other month however now im hearing Cigna changed their policy from needing 6months to 3?!regardless,I'm waitin for approval as well...good luck to you

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too am waiting on CIgna , My paperwork was submitted last tuesday 5/29 , I also am anxious to hear back .... However what number do you call to make sure they received the paperwork ? I am just nervous as well

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too am waiting on CIgna , My paperwork was submitted last tuesday 5/29 , I also am anxious to hear back .... However what number do you call to make sure they received the paperwork ? I am just nervous as well

I called the number on the back of my card then they gave me this number, 800-558-3644. I called them this morning and they told me that they were waiting on clinical notes from my doctor and then it would take 3-5 business days for a decision so I am going to call everyday.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I called the number on the back of my card then they gave me this number, 800-558-3644. I called them this morning and they told me that they were waiting on clinical notes from my doctor and then it would take 3-5 business days for a decision so I am going to call everyday.

Just spoke with Cigna again and they have all that they need and they said that they should have an answer by Thursday!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Everyone,

I too have Cigna OAP. My claim was submitted to the insurance last Tuesday May 29th by my surgeons office. I called the insurance today and they said they are waiting for clinical documents. This whole process is giving me anxiety, I'm so nervous that something is going to be wrong and I will be denied. I called my insurance nagivator and she stated that all documents were faxed to cigna but that she would give them a call just to make sure they have everything they need. I am really hoping to hear something soon because I can't stop thinking about the approval/denial from the insurance. I feel like the rest of my life is hanging out on a limb.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just spoke with Cigna again and they have all that they need and they said that they should have an answer by Thursday!!!

I just called and they said , yes everything was submitted but it is still pending ..... Grrrrrrrrrr..... I am getting anxious

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is good news because I was told since my first appointment was May 29th that we would be pushing it to get it through by the end of the year with 6 months of NUT and now hopefully it won't be a problem and I can get it done in by September or October - in time for the holidays.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I just spoke to Cigna and they said that my paperwork is with the Medical Director for final approval and should have an answer in 24-48 hours, so Monday or Tuesday!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Its been almost a month since I first submitted paperwork. After my 6 months, and gathering all documents from other Drs. It took insurance about 1 week until I got a denial letter and we called and asked how I had been denied when I had everything turned in and done that was required, they confirmed that I had not been denied and that my paper work was with the medical director and to give it 24-48 hours. Well of course that was the Friday before memorial day weekend. Heard from insurance on that following Thursday that I had been denied and needed a reconsideration letter/ clearance letter from another physician other then my surgeon that this surgery indeed was needed for myself. Saw my primary this past Thursday, she did a quick physical and an EKG and agreed to clear me/ give me a letter now waiting on that. Once the letter is ready I have to fax that back into Cigna and wait for a reconsideration approval. Ticks me off because no where did we read or was told I would need a clearance letter-I have been going through loop holes with Cigna for a year now! If i Don't get approved by July I have to re do my psych and diet evaluations since they only take paperwork with in a year! its been the most stressful/anxiety filled few weeks! very frustrating but I won't give up!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The reason my surgeon required me to get a letter from my PCP was because they have had this happen in the past where it was denied without a "second opinion" their explanation was that of course the surgeon is going to say it is medically required surgery, so to have someone that isn't going to monetarily gain from you having the surgery submit a letter also stating it is necessary then you have a stronger case.

Praying that this gets approved for you quickly!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I finally got my approval!!!!!I am so happy I can hardly contain myself. Cigna has had me jumping through hoops for the last 2 weeks. I have called them almost everyday to check on the status of my approval. They kept giving me the run around telling that "clinical" paperwork was missing which we faxed to them 5 times. Then yesterday I received a denial letter in the mail so I called my surgeons office first thing this morning. My insurance navigator called Cigna who confirmed that I was indeed approved and they do not know why that letter was sent in the first place. I am so relieved that all the insurance stress is over.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×