Cigna First Level Appeal Denied. Anyone used The Obesity Law Center- Gary Viscio, NY?

Just received my first leve appeal denial. I have contacted the Obesity Law Center, GaryJ. Viscio and Associates, New York for possible representation at second level. Anyone know of this center or used this Law Center? Anyone have success with Cigna second level appeals? The reason of denial was no documentation of recent failed attempt of a medically supervised diet of 26 weeks duration, with monthly weigh ins and diet consulation. I did send in documentation from my family MD documenting the last 6 months of monthly visits for weight control/diet and resubmitted the SIU COMP Clinic information. Any help is appreciated. This is so frustrating.

Susan, My mother and I both went thru CIGNA and they were a nightmare, we finally had to hire a lawyer only to find out that they were not only giving us a run around but were lying to us. They kept telling us our appeals had been filed and denied but never sending documentation. We used Walter Lindstrom, a very wonderful attorney who has also had the procedure so he knows what you are fighting for. And I am happy to say that we won our appeals. Good Luck with your fight, feel free to email me... Lisa Rittenhouse

HI SUSAN I HAVE CIGNA INSURANCE-I WORK FOR THE SEC OF STATE. I STARTED MY PROCESS ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO WITH ANOTHER SURGEON WHICH AT THAT TIME GOT DENIED BUT DIDN'T REALLY FIGHT IT-DIDN'T REALLY KNOW ANY BETTER AND MENTALLY I WASN'T READY FOR THE SURGERY. NOW I AM WITH THE COMP CLINIC SINCE MARCH 2004. LAST SEPT-DR SUTYAK SENT A LETTER WITH THE COMP CLINIC INFO AND IT WASN'T ENOUGH AND I HAD TO APPEAL. MY ADVICE IS TO YOU IS TO GET ALL YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS FROM SIU WHICH YOU CAN DO-YOU HAVE TO FILL OUT THIS FORM. CICNA WANTS MONTHLY WEIGHT RECORDS AS WELL AS DIET RECORDS. WHAT I DID WAS GOT THE MONTHLY RECORDS FOR ERIN, SANDY, CINDY AND THE DOCTOR BESIDES THE SURGEON THAT YOU SAW. AND I ALSO GOT THE LETTER FROM MY PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR. I GOT ALL THIS INFORMATION TOGETHER MYSELF AND RESUMMITTED IT. IT COST ME 26.00 BECAUSE I SENT IT OVERNITE. I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN IN THE COMP CLINIC AT LEAST 6 MONTHS-SEND EVERY PIECE OF PAPER THAT YOU CAN TO DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. CINDY DOESN'T ALWAYS KNOW WHAT ALL TO SEND AND EVERY INSURANCE IS DIFFERENT. BEFORE I WOULD PAY A LAWYER-I WOULD SUGGEST DOING THIS. BESIDES I LEARNED SOME INTERESTING STUFF WHEN I GOT MY MEDICAL RECORDS. GOOD LUCK! IF YOU NEED ANY HELP-CALL CINDY AND TELL HER TO GIVE YOU MY NUMBER-MAYBE I CAN HELP. WHEN I SENT ALL THIS INFO IN-IT TOOK 2 WEEKS TO APPROVE IT. SUSAN WILLIAMS

Susan, I would also recomend you request ALL of your medical records from any doctor been to, as many years back as you can. Make a copy for yourself and hve one to send to the insurance company then go thru and highlight any and all references to your wieght and dietary history. Also gater a copy of any other documentation - sent to the insurance company. Package it all toghether and either send it yourself or have your doctors office send it. My mother an I each had a not book at home divided in to sections of recordes and such. Ultimatly we sent copies of those notebooks - with everything in order to the lawyer. I hope you win this fight, just don't give up. Lisa