CIGNA
.....kathy I've had Cigna for years. Won the battle with appeals for my WLS but everything else with them has been great. They just make sure you follow the guidelines when needing approval.
What specifically are you questioning with them? Coverages? Is this insurance with your company? Be specific and I'll try and help direct you.
If you have been doing any type of supervised dieting, this can be carried over into the 6 months required by Cigna. What Cigna is looking for, like most insurance companies, is that you are complying with the program.
6 month supervised diet needs to have all your vitals taken w/a diet and exercise plan documented every month for 6 months. You cannot skip a month or you have to start over again. Included in that documentation would be your weight, height, b/p and if you complied with the program prescribed by your PCP. Also, if you are on any medications for b/p or diabetes, your PCP needs to document any changes. Your PCP will need to write a letter stating why he/she feels that WLS is necessary for your health. I went to a nutri for over a year and included my visits w/her as part of my diet program. The 6 months really do fly by fast and can be used to your advantage because no matter how much we think we're prepared for this, there's more that we should have learned or paid more attention too.
It took me 18 months to get approved and looking back, I'm glad I had that time to prepare myself more. It's helped me with how I look at food and to change my eatting habits.
Let me know if you have any questions because I thought I was losing my mind when I was dealing with Cigna.
Make sure YOU document EVERYTHING. Also, you can request a Case Manager from Cigna to help you with getting WLS. I finally did and it helped.
My weight loss has slowed down and I'm happy where I am now. If I do not lose another pound, I'll still be happy because I'm already a success. I have my health back and my life.
Good luck and know I'm here if you need me.
