I'm trying to find out how many nutritionist visits CIGNA requires prior to approval for surgery. Also, how long did it take for CIGNA to approve you for surgery?

I have cigna had to have a 3 month diet history.a letter from primary doctor other than surgeon.physic evaluation and I sm thinking that was it

The 3 month requirement...does that mean 3 visits or 4? I've had conflicting information on that detail. How long did it take them to approve your surgery? When did you have yours and how are you doing?

Mine was 1 visita month for 3 months.I started in Aug and finished in Nov.had my physic after that. I think my approval took less than 2 Weeks and I was sleeved on Dec.17 .I am doing great no complication no problems at all.I have lost 45#

Fantastic...congrats! Thanks for the input.

No problem anytime

I have CIGNA Insurance and my Dr's office said it is the worst insurance for her to deal with. My plan required that I see a nutritionist once a month for 6 consecutive months. Last year they denied me the surgery because my BMI was 39.5 and not 40 ! They made me wait 6 months to apply again for the surgery and made me see a nutritionist all over again for another 6 months and have a second psych visit and a note from my primary doctor as well..They were so frustrating but I didn't give up and I have since met the 40 BMI requirement they wanted and was finally approved for the surgery..I am scheduled for April 2nd..You can look up your benefits or call CIGNA to find out your plans' requirements first. Good luck to you.. Kari

My son has Cigna. I'm not sure if the insurance requires a specific number of nutritionist visits, etc., but when he started the program last May, they required 6 consecutive months in a program, (now reduced to 3,) and if you missed having a check-in appointment in any month, you had to start over again. The program we are in required 8% of total body weight lost, monthly weight checks with a physician's assistant, 2 visits with a nutritionist, 2 visits with an exercise physiologist, 2 times attending a support group meeting, and a lifestyle changes class that was either 6 Monday evening meetings or 2 Saturday morning meetings, a meeting with an MD, and 2 meetings with the surgeon prior to surgery. After surgery, there are several check-ins with the surgeon (2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months post), 3-4 check-ins with the nutritionist (2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months post), and 1 more visit with the exercise physiologist post-surgery. The exercise physiologist and the lifestyle changes class had to be paid out of pocket, a total of about $200. Other than that, it was just the copays ($10 per visit.) They also made us go to a sleep clinic to be tested for sleep apnea, and we had to get CPAP machines due to that, but it was also covered. The rest has been covered.

Edit: Oops, forgot the psych screening - covered, too.

Cigna had a change in Jan. they now require a full 90 day nut which is 4 months.

I have Cigna and they are requiring 3 months Dr supervised diet within the past 12 months and WW, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem and things like that are included.

Thanks for the info everybody!

I have Cigna, 3 month supervised diet with my PCP, Nutricional Consultation, Phsycological Evaluation,no co morbidity, and I was approved within 1 week of submitting. Surgery date is March 22,2013!!!! So excited and looking forward to my new life:). Total out of pocket $1,500. From the very beginning to the end. Not bad at all! Totally worth every dime :-). Good luck to you...

That's fantastic! I'm hoping for a quick response time from Cigna as well. I went to the nutritionist inJan, Feb, and Mar. I've heard mixed reports on whether that is enough for Cigna, or if I have to go again in April before they will approve the surgery.

I hope all goes well with yours! Good luck!!,

I have Cigna and was denied because my BMI is under 40 and I didn't have at least 2 other factors (diabetes, sleep apnea etc). Decided to self pay. I have 90 pounds to lose to be at a healthy weight. In my opinion the BMI scale isn't an accurate depiction. My surgery is March 14th. Cannot wait. I think it will be money well spent.

Sorry to hear that, Lain! My BMI is also under 40, but I have high BP, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. Maybe some of it is worse because of age... I'm really hoping they surgery and weight loss reverses all of that. It would really be nice if it could turn the clock back about 10 years...lol

Good luck with your surgery!

bluebonnet sounds like we are on the same schedule. My last NUT appointment will be in April also. I would like to get sleeved in May if Cigna approves fast