Experiences with Cigna

I have Cigna, and will be completing the last of the requirements for approval for surgery today, I have my Nutritional Consult this afternoon. I just want to know what your experiences have been and what advice you all give regarding submitting information? Thanks Vi

I don't have any experience with Cigna but wanted to wish you luck. I think the hardest part of this journey is waiting for insurance approval. I will be praying that everything goes smoothly for you. Susan

Thanks Susan, I will be needing all the prayers I can get.

Hi Viola. I had Cigna for my surgery. The first time I submitted I was denied because I did not do the 6-month Dr supervised diet. It was nota requirement in my plan with my company so I (and the dr.s office) did not know I needed t o do it but with Cigna, you have to do it regardless of your companys plan. But once I completed that, I resent in the paperwork and it was approved within a few days. I really did not have any problems at all. Just make sure your Dr includes everything that Cigna requires - which is documentation of the 6 month diet, a psch evaluation, and a seperate nutritionist visit. You can also write a letter to them yourself to include in the paperwork in you want. Most of the time, you write a letter if you have been denied with the second submission but I am sure it can't hurt to have one with your first submission. If you want, I can show you a copy of my letter to them. Just email me and let me know. I found a form online that I stuck with. Of course it is after a denial but you could get the idea. Or, you might be able to find a form online for first submissions that you follow. Or not worry about sending a personal letter at all. You can call after your paperwork is submitted every couple of days (or everyday like me) to check the status. The waiting part is the hardest. I wish you a quick approval! Keep us updated. Misty

Thanks Misty for the great advice, I just completed my Nutritionist appoitment, and I spoke with the lady at my PCP's office this morning, she's starting on my letter of medical necessity, I did my psych eval last friday, and I've already faxed in my 6 month diet grid, signed by my PCP, they have a list of all the diets I've tried, succeeded and failed. So I pray that's everything I will need, and thank you again for replying to my post.

Hey, I have Cigna and I was recently denied and now I am resubmitting. The waiting is the hardest thing and the fact that they don't wanna tell you nada. I can only suggest that you be very pro active, be extra thorough with documentation and don't quit! I hear Cigna is pretty easy but most get denied at first. Good luck and keep us updated! Mel.

Hi Viola, I had no problem with Cigna. The girls at my surgeon's office made sure that I had all of my paperwork completed perfectly. I still had to go thru the 6 month supervised diet program....didn't do very well but went thru it none the less. I had to have food diaries, one week for each month I was on the program. They approved me in less than 24 hours. Good luck! Janie