Doctor supervised diet question

Bethanyblondie · August 18, 2008

Hey all! I visited my PCP in May to talk to her about the lap band and she referred me to a surgeon to talk to. The surgeon she referred me to was not willing to work with me because I have Cigna insurance, so I had to seek out other resources for the time being. ANYWAYS...my real question is...while I wait to meet a different surgeon, I have been doing Weight Watchers for the last couple of months as part of the six month weight loss plan requirement. Cigna says WW's is an acceptable program as long as it is conjunction with a physican's supervision. Does that mean I have to visit my PCP once a month to "check in" or can it be every couple of months? I haven't been back to see her since the end of May, so if I need to see her every month, then I'm going to have to get on it so I don't get too far behind! Any of you Cigna peeps out there willing to give a girl a hand with this?:wink2:

odizzydori · August 18, 2008

Yes you need to see your pcp every month to record your weight loss. The surgeon will be going back to your doctor for your medical records.

It's_Christine · August 18, 2008

I do not have CIGNA but I had to participate in a supervised diet and it required monthly visits with my physician. It also required very specific information such as how many calories I was eating a day. If you want to be sure I would suggest you call CIGNA and find out exactly what they want and then ask for it in writing. I was initially turned down but when I was able to show the insurance company I followed exactly what they said on their web site I got approval. Goo luck

GRANNIE JENNI · August 18, 2008

MOST INSURANCES REQUIRE ONCE A MONTH but your dr may accept a phone call to document in your chart

Jacksonn830 · August 20, 2008

My experience with these weight loss plans is that you absolutely must see your PCP at least once a month to weigh in and have them document that you are still working on the diet plan. If you miss even one month out of six, they can deny you and make you start over. So, don't miss any of your doctor appts.

Bethanyblondie · August 20, 2008

Thanks everyone, for your info. I have an appointment in Sept. with my doc, so I will have her begin the documentation then. I started the diet a couple of months ago, so this sets me back two months...but it will be worth it in the end.