May 2014 I attended a bariatric information meeting. Started the 6 month physician assisted weight loss requirement for insurance. Completed beginning of Oct. Paperwork submitted to Cigna 2 weeks ago. 1 week later found out I was temporarily denied because they are requesting a letter of medical necessity and medical clearance from my PCP. Informed my PCP who stated she would submit letter (all before my surgeons office had any idea I was denied). Surgeons office stated they would call me Monday (yesterday) with a status to the resubmission (assuming they receive pcp letter in a day or two). I've sent 3 follow up emails since last week and last one stated to please let me know when letter from PCP is received bc I don't want they surgeons office to be waiting on her document and I don't want to bother my pcp if she sent it. Called Cigna today and they stayed they haven't received any additional paperwork yet...grrrr.

I'm on a strict deadline and so frustrated. I need an approval and to have surgery prior to the end of the year. Sigh. Patience is a virtue that I lack.....

@devoted04. Is there anyway you are able to go into your PCP's office and get the letter? When I was gathering all documents for my surgery I had to make several trips to doctors offices to pick up letters and test results the were never received by fax in my surgeon's office. I took no prisoners when I was trying to qualify for my surgery. I went after the process like it was my job. I realized I was just another file to some of those office personnel. So I advocated for myself. Get your letter and get your approval. Best.

Oh yes. I'm going to do that Wednesday. Was just hoping to know something before then. I know these people (pcp and surgeons nurse) personally, spits hard bc I don't want to be overbearing and a PITA, however I also want to advocate for myself.

Called, got the letter. Surgeons office emailed me saying they have it and faxing to insurance right then (at lunchtime). Yay!

I received a denial letter today. I was so frustrated because they denied without having all the info. I took a deep breath and called insurance. After review they found that they received the info they needed and stayed I should have an answer by Friday, at the latest Monday. Fingers crossed!!!!

I hope you get good news quickly, the waiting game is a killer! Wishing you the best.

Amazingly quick!!! Received a call from surgeons office today with my approval!!! Surgery scheduled for 11/13 pending pre-admission qualifications turn out ok (ie EKG, labs, chest X-ray) which is Monday and EGD scheduled for Wednesday! Yay!!!!!

Congratulations! I see you are in Missouri. Anywhere near KC? I plan to use KCBariatrics and Dr Hoehn. Keep us all posted on your recovery and progress!! All the best! Sherriee

@wannabethinsoon Yes! I'm about an hour and half north of Kansa city! I'm having my surgery at Heartland in St. Joseph with Dr. Hornbostel on Nov 13th!!

Congratulations on gettingg you approval. I agree with the others that the approval is far more exhausting than anything you will experience post-op. Post-op is the easy part barring complications.