Question:
Did Cigna PPO approve you for surgery with out Dr. supervised weight loss attempts?

I'm trying to find out how many people without Dr. supervised diet attempts were either denied or approved for surgery with Cigna PPO, and what the BMI's were. Thanks in Advance, Marjorie    — Marjorie F. (posted on September 25, 2002)

September 25, 2002
I have Cigna through an HMO and all they needed from me is that my BMI be over 40. Nothing else.
   — Carolynn J.

September 25, 2002
I have CIGNA PPO in NC and they approved my lap RNY with only a letter of medical necessity from the surgeon....no PCP referral, no psychological or nutritional consults, and no evidence of MD supervised diets in the past. The approval came three weeks after receipt of the surgeon's letter. I was told that even though CIGNA is a nation-wide provider, coverage and requirements vary from state-to-state. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

September 25, 2002
Well, I'm in the same boat you are... I just went for my first visit with my PCP.. and he did blood work and will be doing a referral to the insurance for surgery (CIGNA HMO in Arkansas) and I'll let ya'll know how it goes.
   — Clay T.

September 26, 2002
Does anyone else have any experience good or bad with Cigna PPO? I would really like to hear about other's experiences and I'm sure others in the future would too.
   — Marjorie F.

September 27, 2002
Marjorie, My husband were both approved with the first letter from our surgery. Very quickly I might add through Cigna PPO. We didn't have to have any evidence of medically supervised diets. My husband's BMI was 59.8. He started out at 382 pounds and now weighs 249. My BMI was 48 and I started out at 305 and now weigh 190. I will be 8 months post-op tomorrow and feeling great. You shouldn't have any trouble with your insurance. I hope this gives you the encouragement you need. I also know of another person my husband worked with that had his surgery in August through his Cigna PPO also. They are pretty easy to work with. I am getting ready to go for my consultation for my TT and armlift, which I really need bad before I knock someone out with my flabby arms. lol. Good Luck in your journey to a better life. Feel free to e-mail me privately if you have any furthur questions. Jeanie
   — Jeanie B.