anyone have Cigna?

[smile121 66]

Hi, I am going for my first appt to the surgeon, and i was just wondering if anyone else had cigna insurance and how easy or hard it was to prove that you had tried (the 3 months within 2 years)

any advice is appreciated!

[Jordan861 124]

I have Cigna, I was approved on the first attempt. I did have to do the supervised diet thing for 3 or four months, plus a psch and nutrition visit, but once everything was complete I recieved approval in less than two weeks.

[smile121 66]

Thank you! Had you attempted anything that was "on paper" before? i am wondering because i have done Weight Watchers numerous times, and i did Medi Weightloss for 3 months this year...

Sorry for all the questions, i just want to do this sooner rather than later : )

[smile121 66]

Also, are you glad you had the surgery? did you have any regrets?

[Babbs 14,680]

I heard nothing but nightmares about Cigna, but it actually turned out to be great! I had my 3 months supervised diet, to where I really only lost 5lbs (quit smoking and then bunion surgery), my psych eval and nutrition visit. It took my office a whole 2 weeks to even submit it, and it took Cigna 2 or 3 days to approve after it was submitted! I had surgery 3 weeks after that because the surgeon just happened to have an opening! Long story short, it took the surgeons office longer to submit it to Cigna than Cigna to approve me. Good experience with them.

[mrsmith901 18]

Your 3 month has to be physician supervised. I am doing weight watchers but I weigh in with my Doctor once a month for the "supervision" part. I hope to submit to Cigna at the start of the year!

[Luvin_Life125 558]

I also have Cigna and was approved on the first try. I am now 5 weeks post op and all of my claims have been processed and paid. As long as you meet their guidelines and meet their requirements you shouldn't have any problems. The guidelines can be found here: https://cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

The one thing that trips a lot of people up is the 3 month physician monitored weight loss program. You need to actually have 4 visits with your doc because you need the first appointment to initiate the process. Make sure the appointments are at least 31 days apart. You also have to make sure your doctor documents each of these at EVERY appointment

- your weight

-your current dietary program (ie: weight watchers, 1500 calorie diet, or what ever you are doing for your diet) and also

-your physical activity program (ie walking 1 block twice a day 4 days a week, walking on a treadmill 20 minutes a day 5 days a week, riding your bike 3 miles a day for 6 days a week, etc)

Good luck and please keep in touch!

[Jordan861 124]

I had documented doctor visit with weight in the previous couple years but no document diet attempts. That is why I had to have the three months. As for regrets... I have only one... I wish I had done this years ago. I love my new life... I feel like for the first time I am living and not surviving. If you wish you can friend me I will be happy to answer any questions and provide support.

[smile121 66]

Thank you guys!!!

I went through this medi weight loss thing for 3 months that is run by Registered Nurses and Physicians... basically they give you a strict diet along with Vitamins, you go in every week and get weighed. i wasn't sure if that would qualify, i guess i will ask my doc that question.

thank you for all of the responses and support! I am really looking forward to this! Jordan, i did add you as a friend, thanks ; )

[smile121 66]

Luvin Life, how do you like the surgery so far?

[LSF 264]

I have Cigna. I was told that the appointments didn't matter when - it just had to be once a month over a 3 month period. My paperwork will be ready for submission after the new year. Mine will be revision surgery though

[sweeteyes504 66]

I had 2 do 6 months visits but I just got approved an had my surgery monday

[Jersrose43 837]

Hi, I am going for my first appt to the surgeon, and i was just wondering if anyone else had cigna insurance and how easy or hard it was to prove that you had tried (the 3 months within 2 years)

any advice is appreciated!

You have to do a supervised diet with your surgeon I believe not a medical weight loss clinic. Not sure they'll accept that. Your surgeon may want you to meet with their nutritional counselors and make sure you understand how your new tool works.

I had been on diets for years and documented with my PCP and medications and they accepted only the 3 visits with the surgeon

I have previously posted the cigna requirements. Here they are again

https://cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

Make sure you review thoroughly