Question:
I will have Cigna PPO as my insurance starting Jan 2003. I plan on asking for surgery

at that time. Since I don't have Cigna PPO right now I can't call them and see what their criteria for WLS is. I am afraid that they will deny me because I just started with them. Does anyone have any info about Cigna PPO that might help me? I live in Ohio. THANKS SO MUCH:)    — blank first name B. (posted on November 24, 2002)

November 24, 2002
I have Cigna PPO. I have not been approved yet but am in the process. If you would like, you can click my name to read my profile to see how it has been going so far for me. I hope we both get approved soon!!
   — Marjorie F.

November 24, 2002
I have cigna pos . And they are making me send in 3-5 yrs medical records all of them and a nutritional evalutation and a mental one. I have got the medical records in and the nutritition still waiting on appt. with shrink. So i dont know yet if they will approve yet Im prayng they do. I hope that helps some so you know what they will probably ask for. Cat Price
   — cat P.

November 24, 2002
CIGNA PPO (in NC)approved my lap RNY within three weeks of receipt of my surgeon's letter of medical necessity...no questions asked. They did not require proof of past dieting/weight loss efforts, a psychological evaluation or a nutritional consult. When I called CIGNA to inquire if there were any exclusions for WLS, I was told that coverage can vary from state-to-state and employer-to-employer. I was simply fortunate that my policy was extremely "liberal" in that area. They also approved my panniculectomy/brachioplasty surgery 20 months later with only the plastic surgeon's letter of medical necessity. CIGNA has been a joy to work with for me...I wish you the same great experience!
   — Diana T.

November 24, 2002
I have Cigna PPO and they approved me with a letter about all the diets I had been on over the years. All together it took about 2 weeks to get approved.
   — tina T.

November 24, 2002
I have cigna PPO in Connecticut and was approved in 1 week with a low BMI and minor Comorbids. No special requirements. They were great.
   — wesley B.

November 25, 2002
What ever you do with Cigna, make sure you follow up with them if a doctor faxes something to them. If they receive a fax, they will archive it and forget it if it doesn't have a persons name in the "To:" section. The key to Cigna, is to followup on EVERYTHING! - Good luck Charlie - 2mos. post op - down by 40+ pounds!
   — Charlie N.

November 25, 2002
Thanks so much everyone!! I guess I'm as ready for this as I'll ever be. From what I have read here & others emailing me personally I feel like I have a great chance at getting approved by Cigna. I appreciate everyone informative advice and wish everyone the best of luck pre and post op! Melissa
   — blank first name B.