Question:
Denied Lap Band-What type of information does CIGNA Want in an appeal letter?

I applied to my insurance company for a Gastric Band and was turned down. Same old story. How every I found that all my information was not turned into Cigna. What should I put into my appeal letter that would help me?    — Gussielee (posted on May 30, 2003)

May 30, 2003
sorry to say but most companies dont approved the lap band. It is still expiremental in the US as far as they are concerned. Did you try for the RNY? I know the band is less invasive but over all you get the best weightloss with RNY. Good luck in your journey I'm almost there myself.
   — cinamoni

May 30, 2003
The statement of "most" companies are not approving LapBand is simply not true! I had it done on 05/06 (UHC) and my Dr.'s office is filled with patients from MANY insurance companies. I would find out the reason for denial, and appeal it, or resubmit it with the information they want! If the LapBand is what you want, don't let the people on this board try to sway you to the RNY. I am very happy with my band. I have lost 24 lbs in 3 weeks. The band is every bit as wonderful (more so in my opinion)as the bypass. There is a group at Spotlight Health, and Yahoo for Band patients (pre-op and post) that may be able to give you LOTS of inforamtion on insurance. Good luck to you in your journey!
   — Jessica P.

May 30, 2003
Gee......the poster didn't ask which procedure was better than the other.That issue has been beaten to death.......her question was in regards to cigna so here is my opinion on that.....Cigna has been fairly easy to get approved through for wls but since the first of the year, they have been making it difficult for everyone even if you have all of the requirements met.As far as your appeal goes they should have given you a reason why you were denied.It's hard to say what you should put in your appeal letter without that info.You stated that all of your info was not sent in and if that is the only reason you were denied then you would just need to provide that info in your appeal.Good luck to you!
   — jennifer A.

May 30, 2003
Stacie, I was denied thru Cigna as well, but just got approved after my first appeal. I qualified in every way for this surgery. If you could tell us why you were denied we all could be so much more helpful I'm sure. I was approved for RNY because Cigna (in OHIO) said they do not cover Lap Band. Take care and best of luck to you, Audrey
   — Audrey W.

May 30, 2003
You might try checking the Bandsters Insurance board. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BandstersInsurance/?yguid=6535337 Good luck to you! I hope you get your band approval. You'll love it. :)
   — TMF