Cigna certified hospitals?

[Bethanyblondie 0]

I tried to make an appointment with the bariatric surgeon my PCP referred me to, but they have twice now told me they really think I should look into working with doctors that are at a Cigna "bariatric surgery certified" hospital, which they aren't. I told her on Cigna's website that it says you do not have to get surgery at their certified hospitals...but once againg the lady at the surgeon's office said they know that Cigna might not cover near as much of the expenses if I don't go to one of their certified hospitals. None of the hospitals in Denver are certified, so i would have to go to Colorado Springs.

Anyone recently get surgery that has Cigna insurance? Did you have to deal with this? The surgeon's office I talked to said they haven't seen any Cigna patients in almost a year because of this issue.

[KristinInCO 2]

Hi Bethany...By any chance was it Dr. Tillquist's office you spoke to? I had tried to speak to them twice and they would not give me the time of day. The first question out of thier mouths was...do you have insurance and with whom? As soon as I told them I had Cigna...they practically hung up on me. I would highly recommend Dr. Chae...his office works with Cigna and they are very, very friendly and helpful. I am in my 6th month of this journey and have just the nutrition class to go before my packet is submitted to Cigna! Wish me luck!

[Bethanyblondie 0]

I'm so glad you responded! I had been putting off doing anything else because I was really apprehensive about having to everything in the Springs. Yes, it was Dr. Tilquist's office I talked to, and you are right...they REALLY don't want to work with us Cigna patients. I will give Dr. Chae's office a call. I keep going back and forth at times about if I still want to do this whole process...and I know it's mostly because of the fear of being turned down by insurance after I've done all their requirements. I'm about to start month three of Weight Watchers, which according to Cigna is an acceptable program to follow as long as you check in with your doctor. I've been going to a psychologist for several sessions already, so now I've just got to see a nutritionist and finish out my six months of dieting. Although I'm a little worried now because my doctor just told me my thyroid levels are low, so they've put me on meds for eight weeks to see if it helps. I don't want that to affect all my work towards getting a lap band. I've been heavier than I am now and my thyroid was fine, so I KNOW my thyroid is not what causes me to gain weight!

[pstroud100 1]

Hello, I too am on Cigna insurance. Before I even started my process I contacted cigna and printed out their requirements. Then I actually spoke to someone on the phone. I dont know about ya'll but they told me that I had to see one of their approved drs. They even wanted to know my zip code so that they could tell me the drs in my area that I could see. I hope that it helps you. I certainly dont want to go through all of their steps just to have to start all over again. Good Luck on your journey. Page

[Bethanyblondie 0]

Your added info is appreciated! I've been going to doctors that are in Cigna's network and I called Cigna to confirm that they all were before I went. I've heard good and bad stories about Cigna in terms of the lap band...but I guess that's the case with any insurance company. I just assume they will find some problem when I finally turn in my stuff in the future and that I'll have to appeal. I figure if I just expect it then I won't be surprised if it happens. I'm right at the 100 pound overweight mark...so I sort of float between a 38-40ish BMI. I don't really have any co morbidities so I don't have much leeway on anything. But I am at a 40 BMI right now and have been in the past few years as well. I go up and down...as i'm sure you both deal with as well. I try not to talk myself out of continuing with this process on a daily basis. I get a little overwhelmed!