Insurance Approval Dillema for PS - Help Please!

A little background...last year about this time I had a plastic surgery consult for a TT.  At that time, I was almost certain coverage though Cigna PPO would be denied.  As expected, some 6 weeks later I received that denial with Cigna stating that it would not cover plastic surgery that was considered cosmetic. Fast forward to beginning of Octovber 2007.  After a bike ride I discovered two small water blisters on my tummy where I've got loose skin as a result of my weight loss.  One of them broke and I ended up with an infection that got out of control rather quickly.  Ended up I had MRSA (drug resistant staph) which I've dealt with an entire month.  My PCP and the specialists at the Wound Care Center are all in agreement that my only option to address this issue is removal of the excess skin.  Today I met with the Plastic Surgeon and he concurred saying this time around the procedure being requested is still a tummy tuck, but is re-constructive and a medical necessity - not cosmetic as it was last year.  He says though that insurance is still likely to drag its feet on approval even when it's deemed medical necessity. Here's the issue...the Plastic Surgeons office says it will take 4-6 weeks for approval.  I'm very concerned with this timeline as my insurance through my employer changes on 1/1/08 and I will no longer have Cigna and will be moving to United Health Care.  Waiting for Cigna's approval puts me dangerously close to the end of the year and the Plastic Surgeon said he was not optimistic about approval by years end.  If approval is not received, I then go for approval with UHC my new carrier - all is not lost.  Or is it???   It's highly likely that UHC will deny the claim immediately stating the issue is a pre-existing condition and will not pay. Does anyone know if there is a way that I can possibly expedite the approval process?  This issue is not going to go away without the surgery.  I had absolutely no control of when I experienced the wound and subsequent staph infection - but because of the long approval process at Cigna, I may not be covered at all as a result. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Cards Fan Springfield, MO

Pre-existing  will not apply if you have had contiuous coverage.  No breaks exceeding 3 mos.  Since your employer is changing plans you should have no problems, but will have to have a pre-determination done thru UHC.