Question:
I was denied bypass surgery a year and a half ago by Cigna PPO.

After 4 months of calling Cigna, sending the papers they requested and waiting by the phone they said NO. I qualify medically, so what did I do wrong. I am again going to start the process to get the surgery. What should I do from start to finish to obtain approval? Any help would be appreciated.    — Mary B. (posted on May 16, 2001)

May 16, 2001
Dear Mary, I also have Cigna PPO, I first sent out papers On June 20, 2000, I waited till 7/7/00 to find out I was DENIED. I started my appeal immediatly and was told it would take at least 60 days for a answer, I waited, As hard as it was, I did wait. But I kept calling, and they kept telling me that they had NO appeal, even though my Surgeons office assured me they had confirmation that indeed Cigna did. Finally to make a very long story short, after fighting with Cigna and also with my surgeons office, and ALOT of phone calls to the surgeons office, Cigna, and I even got my husbands corporate office involved, the finally over turned the denial and I was approved. I have been told that they always give you a denial the first go around, So start your appeal. Make sure you know why you were denied. I will be having my surgery June 11, so it is possible to get the approval, I know Cigna has been known to be good about giving it,but lately it seems they are becoming a big pain in the butt...DONT give UP though!!!!!!!! Get as many people as you can to back you up and then FIGHT! Good Luck..
   — Ann A.