Question:
No weight loss surgeons listed in network providers in my state covered by ins. co.

I have Cigna (PPO) Insurance and of my lists of surgeons in the state I live in that Cigna has covered, none are bariatric/weight loss surgeons. I have had to go out-of-network to find a surgeon. I was told that if approved, Cigna would have to pay the surgeon in full because they don't have any surgeon at all that can perform the surgery. I hope I'm saying this right. Can someone enlighten me please?    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 8, 1999)

October 8, 1999
You might want to check with my sugreon's office to see. They're experts in insurance. Email me privately for his name & #.
   — vitalady

October 8, 1999
I have Cigna PPO also. I have heard of people using an out-of-network surgeon, and being covered at the in-network rate because the PPO did not have a doctor qualified to do the surgery. You would have to ask CIGNA for the name of a doctor that performs weight loss surgery, and if they can't provide you with an acceptable referal, you could ask them to cover an out-of-network doctor. I chose to go with an out-of-network surgeon, and CIGNA only approved me at a 60/40 rate. However, my out-of-pocket expense is capped at 3000, so that is all I will have to pay. After I hit 3000 out-of-pocket, CIGNA will pay 100% anyway, even though my doctor isn't in their ppo. If I had gone with an in-network surgeon, I probably would have hit my 3000 limit anyway, so it's all the same to me.
   — Lynn K.