6-month physician-directed-weight-loss program

Who has done a 6-month physician-directed-weight-loss program? prior to being approved for surgery?. I've got everything into FryeRMC in Hickory except the 6-month diet; Cigna requires it. Any advice? tips? My PCP is says she is fine with me coming every month and yet Cigna won't pay for those type of "obesity" visits. Thank you, Joanna in Boone

Both insurance companies that I have dealt with in the past few years have required a 6 month diet. Each one is slightly different. The first one required monthly visits with my PCP only. The second company required that, plus weekly nutritional counseling, and a gym membership with 2 visits a week documented. I found my insurance company to be very forthcoming about what they required. I just called them and asked what was necessary. It was fortunate that I did because my doctor's office wasn't aware that they would accept 6 months of weekly visits to weigh****chers as the weekly nutritional counseling. I was covered for all of my visits, but I understand that insurance companies are starting to deny those claims. It's tough, but you can navigate this if you take it one step at a time. Take care and keep us posted. ~Ellen

THe earlier post is right call Cigna and ask. I started this process 2 years ago and was in the middle of my 6 month supervised diet when I found out I was pregnant. I just filed for insurance approval and the requirments this time were much more specific than 2 years ago withthe same insurance compnay. I do know that esp for the monthly/ weekly weigh ins the are very picky. Do whatever they ask and do not miss even 1 appointment, or they will say you were non-compliant. Alane FLoyd