Question:
How successful have you been at getting Cigna HMO to pay?

I'm just researching still, but I getting anxious over what my Ins. will say. I am afraid to get my hopes up, for fear they will not pay! Please, HELP!!!!!    — ~*Andrea M. (posted on November 21, 2000)

November 21, 2000
I have Cigna PPO of Florida, so far I have been waiting a little over a month to find out anything. You need to be persistant with Cigna. After your surgeon sends in the paperwork it takes anywhere from 72 to 96 hours for it to get into the system, then it goes to a review board and they determine if you qualify or not.
   — JazzBear111

November 21, 2000
I have Cigna PPO of Ohio. My doctor sent in his paperwork on a Monday and I was approved by Wednesday. No hassels No problems.
   — kyad7

November 22, 2000
Hi! I have Cigna HMO of Florida, and I was denied the first time (standard MO) I then appealed and was approved. The process from the first submission to approval took two months. You will have to really convience them that you need this and don't hold anything back. Best of luck, this is the best thing I have ever done. Lap RNY 9/13/00, 59 lbs gone.
   — Barbara S.

November 23, 2000
Hey Andrea: I have CIGNA HMO in California and mine went through like a clockwork. THE KEY I believe, was that my PCP suggested and recommended me for the surgery in the first place. I was approved in a few weeks with no appeals. I hope you are as lucky. PS--I was a 40 BMI with co-morbidity of severe arthritis which helped me considerably. Good Luck.
   — Dot W.

November 23, 2000
I have Cigna HMO of Southern California and really had to work to get approved. Two seperate appeals with the last one being successful! I am having the BPD/DS at USC in two weeks!! I don't know if they treat the RnY differently than the bpD/DS (some companies do). Good luck!
   — Kathleen P.