christy38 17 Posted January 2, 2013 Hi I have CIGNA as my insurance and I'm wondering if anyone with Cigna has been given a hard time for approval and how long was the process . Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mommybo 71 Posted January 2, 2013 I was approved by Cigna. They require 5 business days for a decision. They said some additional paperwork was needed after I submitted so my advocate sent it that day. (even though she already sent it the first time). It was re-submitted for "reconsideration" and took and additional 5 business days. I had my surgery 5 days ago. They also require a 3 month supervised diet but no documentation of a weight history. good luck!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grubb79 10 Posted January 2, 2013 I have Cigna as well. My approval process included 5 years of weight history and 6 months supervised diet. Once all of the documentation was submitted I was also told a 5 day turnaround. Once I contacted Cigna on the 5th day to check the status, I had been denied. They denied me because the PCP noted that she recommended me for surgery, but didn't specifically state "cleared for surgery" on her paperwork. The patient advocate got that info from the PCP and faxed to them, received the approval 2 days later. :-) Well worth the hassle...I get sleeved 1/10. So excited! Good luck. I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
banditchic 83 Posted January 2, 2013 I have Cigna too. I was submitted on Dec 8, but was denied. Cigna claimed they didn't receive the 3 month supervised diet (which they did receive), and they said that my pcp didn't provide enough documentation that I had an adequate comorbidity (which I do). My advocate sent the 3 month history again, and I got a letter from my pcp stating that this surgery would help my hyperlipidemia, which is my comorbidity, and Cigna states that hyperlipidemia is an adequate comorbidity. My advocate resubmitted all of that info on Dec 27. My advocate says she will call them by Friday if she hasn't heard from them. My Cigna asks for the exact same requirements as mommybo. Since my bmi is right at 35-36 and I only have one comorbidity (even though Cigna says you only have to have one), I'm not feeling real positive. If they deny me again, I will keep fighting....uggghhh. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chubilicious 12 Posted January 2, 2013 I wAs approved by cigna recently. My first submussiin they denied because they needed another doctors opinion as to why this surgery will benefit you and also that i did not present my 3 minth supervised diet. Total BS! So i had my pcp write a letter if recommendation and resubmitted aling with my 3 ointh supervised diet ligs and was approved after 5 days. I am BMI 48 with a couple of comorbidities but they still like to play a little game. Good luck. 1 banditchic reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dreax33 36 Posted January 2, 2013 I have Cigna I needed a 6 month supervised visits and tests to be able to submit and now I have to wait 30 business days to find out if I'm approved or not Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_JackieDMV 18 Posted January 3, 2013 They denied me waiting for a appeal reallt depress I have Cigna Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mommybo 71 Posted January 3, 2013 They denied me waiting for a appeal reallt depress I have Cigna Oh no Ms Jackie! Praying for you!! Hang in there, remember I was denied at first too and then approved. It's like they don't EVER approve on the first try. Keep me updated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_JackieDMV 18 Posted January 3, 2013 I will sis why was you denied at first? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mommybo 71 Posted January 3, 2013 I will sis why was you denied at first? They needed the documentation of me seeing a nutritionist. My PCP saw me for the 3 month supervised diet because the requirements said it has to be supervised by your doctor OR a nutritionst. My advocate got me in that day with a nutrionist and she sent them her report that day. It was weird but it turned out ok. It was the week of Thanksgiving so I ended up waiting longer than a week for a response. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DanaL 118 Posted January 3, 2013 I have Cinga. I had to do 3 months of dietitian apoinments. 2 co-morbidities or a BMI over 40. I met all their requirements and was denined stating that surgery was not medically nessasary. My doctor then had to do a peer to peer with the Cinga medical director to get it approved. It only took 5 days total from submitting paper work to the approval. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ms_JackieDMV 18 Posted January 3, 2013 My doctor peer peer appeal too waiting now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
janerose 109 Posted January 3, 2013 No problem at all with Cigna - quick turn around - all covered Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
christy38 17 Posted January 3, 2013 Thanks so much everyone! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carly4HandinSD 313 Posted January 3, 2013 I have cigna and was covered. Here is a link with more info that was helpful for me http://www.cigna.com/assets/docs/health-care-professionals/coverage_positions/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites