newbie, CIGNA question

Hello everyone. My name is Angela and I am pursuing WLS this Spring with Dr.Pirello in Concord, NC. I go for a consultation on Jan. 18. I have CIGNA insurance and did my homework with CIGNA prior to researching and seeking to go ahead with the WLS and have been seeing my PCP for Medical Weight Loss Supervision since Sept 2006 on a monthly basis. My question, does anyone know specifically what CIGNA wants to see in my PCP's documentation on our visits when it goes for Medical Review and decision time to approve me or not for the surgery? Please Help Me.

Angela, my surgery is tomorrow. I cannot answer what Cigna is looking for but I will tell you my miracle. My surgeon is Greenville did not even want to see me because I had Cigna. The medical company does not like them. I was told they rarely approve WLS. I called myself and they said there was a slight possibility. The surgeon then agreed to see me I went through the tests and all the hoops and it was put in the hands of Cigna. I was approved in less than three days. It was what I had been praying for. From what I read the insurance process is anybody's guess. Cigna must be coming around to WLS though. I wish you the best. Keep me in your thoughts tomorrow. Diane

Hi Angela! I am also a patient of Carolina Weight Loss but Dr. Bauman will be my surgeon. When you go for your first consultation, you will be given information that will tell you exactly what Cigna wants. I have Cigna also. If you don't give you the information, feel free to contact me and I will fax it to you. Don't worry though. Carolina Weight Loss Surgery is very thorough and when you leave, you will know what is needed. I am working on my diet also. Hope to talk to you again. Take care!

Greetings all. I have to tell you the that I personally feel that both of you ladies made the right choice by going to Carolina Weight Loss Surgery. I had my procedure on 12/4/2006 and I love Dr. Bauman. He is the best. Now as far as surgery goes and your insurance his staff will tell you what is requested from Cigna. Now unless they have changed they want six months of supervised weight visits from your PCP and then a letter with all of that information from your PCP submitted to them. My doctor was great because she had the same amout of determination to assist me with getting to my goal, which was getting approved for my surgery. Cigna denied me first, but I continued and with the help from my pcp and Dr. Baumans office I did it. They are great and they will assist you in any way. Cigna can get challenging, but hang in there. If I can be of any assistance just let me know. Stay blessed and be encouraged