Cigna and VSG?

Hello, can anyone tell me if they have been approved for Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy thru Cigna? I was just re-reading the cigna coverage position document and noticed it says VERTCAL BANDED GASTROPLASY instead of VSG . (they also cover lap-band and RNY) I am unsure now whether VSG would be covered!! BUT where it says 'covered when medically necessary', code 43843 says 'gastric restrictive procedure, without gastric bypass, for morbid obesity; other than vertical banded gastroplasty.' I believe VSG would fall under this category, no? can anyone lend a hand? thanks!! Stefanie

I'm scheduled for 8/28 and am awaiting a reply. As soon as I hear, I'll let you know.

Hey Stefanie, I just got approved by CIGNA for VSG today. Wasn't too bad. It took about 3 weeks -- no deny -- they just kept losing the paperwork the doctor faxed. Finally I personally fedexed a package with all the documentation (47 pages) to CIGNA. Hope this helps.

Nili- Thank you so much for your reply, you are the FIRST PERSON I know of that got approved for VSG thru Cigna (although in a different state). Thanks for giving me hope!!!! Best of luck! Stefanie