JustSleeveMe23

Thanks for the heads up! My file was faxed last Wednesday. I called Thursday and they said they hadnt received anything. Then I called Friday and they said they received paperwork in their system Wednesday but no processing yet. I was given the preauthorization dept direct ph number Friday. So I called it yesterday and was told my file was started processing Thursday afternoon. Talk about conflicting information! Lol I was also told on Friday that I needed to wait at least 30 business days for an answer. Then yesterday I was told a nurse could make the decision in 5-7 days from last Thursday! I wish I could get some consistent information!

I have Cigna too. If they want a fight, I'll give them a run for their money, for sure! I'm not going down easy, that's for sure!!! I've wanted this too bad for too long and lost too much sleep over their requirements already!

Congratulations!! Can I ask what company you have?

Cigna updated their online policy today. You may want to present this updated copy to your surgeon. It should be nationwide for Cigna members without an exclusion. It's right at the top of page 2. http://www.cigna.com/assets/docs/health-care-professionals/coverage_positions/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

It varies by the surgeon and hospital. Prepare to pay at minimum your $250 copayment and $200 deductible. My hospital requires the inpatient copayment and deductible and the rest I will be billed for. Your out of pocket and deductible are low! My deductible is $750, copay $250 and out of pocket $2500.

You should call your surgery coordinator. Cigna customer service doesn't always get the correct information as quickly.

Yes, typically February would be number one. And count up to six. But check with your insurance coordinator.

Who is your insurance?

Congrats! What insurance do you have?

That sounds like an easy fix! Let us know how it goes!! My primary is being a pain about writing a recommendation letter.

Why were you denied?

Maybe it varies by the insurance? I've almost met my out of pocket too. I have Cigna.

I was told Des Peres hospital only wants your deductible and in patient copayment up front. My deductible is met for the year and my inpatient is $250 I think. The rest I will get billed for. Dr Minkin did have a $75 fee plus my specialist copayment the first time I saw him.

Yep! I'm almost done but we can technically submit now. I'm more nervous now that approval/denial is closer!!!

I am SO happy to hear that! Thanks for updating!! And I say, go for it! They probably won't force the deductible up front and you can make payments on it. I wouldn't let a deductible hold me back!

Surgery in general is not that bad! Although I've never had THIS surgery (yet) I've been put under 5 times for various reasons. Sure, you'll have some pain afterwards, but you can manage it. But don't be scared of the surgery! I'd rather have the surgery than a root canal - ANY DAY.

Congratulations on your surgery! Can I ask what the problems were with Cigna? I'm getting ready to play their games too. Best of luck!

How did this turn out???

I was wondering if any of you post-op have experienced this. I have Cigna and am in the process of completing my 6 month supervised diet. My surgeon's office called today and told me that I may not be approved because my BMI dropped in 2010 to 38 instead of the 40 needed. I am 40+ now. I've spent all day super upset over this!! I'm stuck in limbo now until June when we submit for approval. I've read conflicting information. Some places say that Cigna no longer considers the last 24 months of weights as determination of approval. Did anyone else's BMI drop or show lower weights in their prior weight history? Thanks in advance! Hope this makes sense... it's been a rough day of research and phone calls!