Question:
any suggestions, b/c i really need some help!!!!

i just changed jobs, previous job had aetna hmo, with whom i got a referral to be able to see the surgeon so he can start the authorization process (i havent seen him yet). but now my new job only will carry cigna hmo. first thing is i would have to find a diff surg b/c the one i have chose doesnt take cigna, second--i dont know if they would deny me or not (exclusion or pre-existing)? i havent gotten any farther with aetna so do i have a good chance of going with cigna? some people have also mentioned cobra (i really cant afford it though)! i need help please!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!    — reneagemini (posted on June 21, 2002)

June 23, 2002
I'm not sure what to tell you. I have Cigna PPO and they approved my surgery. If there is a dr. in the network that does this type of surgery, you may not have a problem. Best of luck to you!
   — Brenda B.

June 24, 2002
I have CIGNA HMO in Virginia and I'm hear to tell you it's a chore to get approval. Some tips: (1) If you do not have documented proof of a 12 week physician supervised diet in the last year, go to your doctor now and get it started. Cigna wouldn't approve me without it. (2) If you have letters from doctors (or can get them) that state this is medically necessary, gather them and make sure it gets submitted at the time of the original request to Cigna. (3) Make sure your medical records have documentary proof (notes) of your co-moribidities and that they are submitted in a timely fashion. For me, it took from January through May to get approval and was quite discouraging, but stay after them and make sure they give more informatin than they can possibly digest.
   — Cathy S.