CIGNA

Well, as I have posted before, I sought approval from BCBS in October, only to be told they needed more information......The state of Tennessee changed insurance in January to Cigna......I started my six month diet (just in case) in August, so my six months are up, but I am continuing the Dr. supervised diet just as a precaution. I have heard cases where they said the first month was a consultation....don't want any problems there..... I called Vanderbilt to let them know that my Doctor would be forwarding additional records for them to submit and a new letter of recommendation. Then I was told CIGNA requires nutritional counseling....my doctor counseled me at every appointment....which is what he was told he needed to do in a general letter from Vandy....but CIGNA requires a dietian.....so now I am waiting for that. Psych evaluation done in October....hopefully I will be able to submit to CIGNA soon.......I have CIGNA POS open access.....anybody heard how good or bad they are at this......this is a state plan, Cigna is the administrator....I checked there site...it appears that I qualify with a BMI of 43, diabetes, hyperlydemia and osteoarthritis....... Just need some encouragement......and info on CIGNA.

Hi Lisa, I'm a state employee as well though I switched to BCBS from Aetna (which Cigna took over) To be honest, my pcp told me that they have a hard time getting things through to Cigna, but I've read posts of people getting approved through Cigna too. I've also heard that just because someone with the same insurance you have doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get approved just as easily. So who knows Try not to worry though. I've become totally obsessed with it all and a lot of good its doing me worrying. Easier said than done believe me. I'm currently waiting for my PCP to send all paperwork into Centennial Medical Center. My PCP has had it for two weeks now. I've already had to call several times to get them to get something done...to no avail. Good luck with everything Lisa.

Hi Lisa. I have Cigna and I am going through Vandy as well. Although, my Cigna is not the state plan. Yes, it is necessary to have one dietician counseling meeting in addition to your 6 mth Dr supervised diet. I have to do the same thing. It is a requirement of Cigna. Vandy should be able to schedule you an appointment to see their dietician. It sounds like you have completed everything Cigna asked so as long as the surgery is not excluded from your plan, it sounds like you should not have any problems getting approved. One note I will say is when you are done with your dietician appointment, you need to follow up with Vandy to make sure they have everything and have submitted it. Then, after about a week, call Cigna to make sure they received it all. I know it sounds tedious but you do not want to fall victim to the waiting game and then Cigna say they did not receive it. So, just follow up. Keep us updated. I know it has to be a relief to finally be ready to submit the paperwork submitted (and a nervous time too). I am sure it will be fine. Misty

Thanks for everyone's encouraging words...I will not give up without a fight. I scheduled my nutritionalist appt. for next Wednesday and that should take care of everything......This board is great for encouragement. Thanks again.

I have the same insurance and I'm nervous about it. I'm going to ask for a meeting with a dietician ASAP just to be on the safe side. I'm sure they're going to deny me just because my GP has been lax on everything, but I want to do everything that I can to be prepared.