Cigna Approval

mrlddst · June 10, 2005

Is Cigna that hard to get lapband approval for? I have finally heard back from the two doctors office that I am trying to get the surgery through, both of their insurance handlers sound very negative about getting Cigna to approve the surgery. One told me that I will have to come in the office to talk about it (she didnt want to talk to me on the phone about it). She is leaving me in a jam because she wants me to come in and talk to her right before I go for my initial appt(where I pay $395). The other office's insurance clerk, doesn't believe that Cigna even covers the band, we got into a little disagreement because I was looking at the statement from Cigna saying that they did cover it. So if she isn't positive about getting approval, why I should I believe in it either. And I have an appt with them next week. What do you think?

dishdiva · June 10, 2005

Some Cigna plans cover it, some don't. It depends on your company, I think. HOWEVER: The Obesity Law Center lawyer, Walter Lindstrom, recently posted on another lap band site that Cigna now does cover Lap-Band. I would call Cigna and check with them. Don't let administrative staffs at doctor's offices deter you... some are fabulous, but some are horrid. Good luck...keep chugging!

Tamiko · June 10, 2005

I have cigna and they denied me several times until my doctor had me do a lot of test and they finally gave in when they saw that my weight was the cause of my failing health. Cigna normally will approve the surgery you just have to go through a lot of test for them to see that it is not just cosmetic surgery.

aileena · June 11, 2005

I had cigna and they denined me... it really sucked! I went though alot of testing but I was too healthy...just fat...I'm glad I now have bcbs...they arpproved me really quickly.

mrlddst · June 11, 2005

I wish I could switch but my company just finished open enrollment and the only choices were Cigna and Cigna.....

Pamela218 · June 12, 2005

Stay on Cigna. I had my first visit with MD on March 17 and spent 2 months collecting paperwork on medical history and any weight loss programs I did. I also included a spreadsheet on what I did, the dates and the approximate cost involved for each one. After it was all said and done, I sent Cigna about a 5 pound package of paperwork. They approved me the first time around, but I called them every week (if not twice) starting in May. I had my pre-op visit June 9 and am scheduled for June 23. Good luck to you!!

Pam

224/??/130

Dr. Powell, Dallas, TX

dishdiva · June 13, 2005

I gave Cigna everything in the appeal process... nutritionist records, food journals, pyschologists statements, physician's letter... and they denied me through every channel. Other examples here show you...it just depends on the plan.