Anyone been Approved by Cigna HMO???

Has anyone with Cigna HMO been approved lately? I've been searching the boards and can't find anyone recent. Please let me kow how things went. Thanks so much...

I was approved by Cigna HMO and had my RNY 7 weeks ago today. It was quite a journey though. I first tried in 2003 and kept getting denied because of the 6 month diet recommendation. I spent most of 2004 trying to lose on my own (again), then in Jan 2005 I started seeing my PCP for the monthly diet documentation. Made sure to see him every month for 6 months, meanwhile saw the surgeon, did most of the pre op testing. My request was submitted in July, everything was in order (because of all I'd learned in 2003) and all they could come up with to stall me was, saying I hadn't seen a nutritionist for a consult. So I saw one quick, had her report sent to the surgeon's office, they resubmitted, and by late August I got the approval. No denial at all this time, no appealing, it was heaven. It seems if you have all of the requirements AND that 6 month diet documentation, you should get approved. I would also highly suggest joining the Yahoo group "cignasqueakywheels". There is a wealth of information there and awesome people who have been through the Cigna circus and can help. But no matter what - if you know you want this surgery, do not ever give up. Best of luck to you, and don't hesitate to post with more questions! Much love, Carol V

Push really hard to get your approval before December 31. Here again, Cigna is not going to cover any bariatric surgery after January 1, 2006. Carol

Thanks for the reply Carol. I called Cigna today and asked questions. I work for Disney and they are still going to cover the surgery with the same restrictions as this year. I've completed my 6 month diet and I should be sending in the papers this month for approval. I also asked about a case worker like someone else had suggested. They will assign me a case worker once my papers have been sent in and they wiol help me get everything in order to get me a surgery date. Wish me luck! Thanks again.

yes, I was approved - my application process with mind blowing!!!!! I went to Dr Rosenthal in Weston, FL on 8/30 and from there went to get all the testing he prescribes. I got my approval from Cigna on 10/11/05 and had my surgery on 11/30. I just got back home this past Sunday and I'm doing great. A bit of advise. Contact cigna and get the name of the rep you speak with (document, document, document) ask them to review your policy and to advise you about WLS and what they policy is. Write everything they say down. Most are now saying that there's an exclusion clause in the policies - however, if you have several co-morbidities, then it becomes MEDICALLY NECESSARY. Good Luck with the process! Barbi Naples, FL