Question:
anyone else had Cigna OK for surgery..then send a denial letter?

Cigna my RNY on Dec. 12...the doctors scheduled me for lap RNY on Monday 12/23...which means that I jumped thru hoops for a week...all the pre op testing, two trips to Ft. Lauderdale, rental car, hotel, I signed a note for $4,000 (which my doctor demanded upfront)...and at 5 min. after 5 on Fri. afternoon I got a call that Cigna had denied me...The doctor cancelled my surgery..After hours on the phone with Cigna...I am no further ahead..No one knows why they approved, and then sent a letter saying the procedure was not a proven procedure...Any suggestions on what to do with Cigna::::???    — pat C. (posted on December 25, 2002)

December 25, 2002
I received approval and after my surgery Cigna stated that this type of surgery was not part of my plan. I had the surgeon's office (insurance person) call Cigna and they stated they hadn't received all the paperwork from their office. It was re-faxed and a Board had to meet to discuss and then was approved. I sweated it out for 2 months after my surgery as I had no idea how I would pay for it. It's really best if the person handling the insurance in the doctors office deals with Cigna. Trust me, you will probably get no where dealing with it yourself as they just seem to bully the patient. Keep your chin up and have patience.
   — Leila J.

December 25, 2002
I'm so sorry honey- this happened to me too. See my profile. DON'T GIVE UP!! KEEP ON THEM! Also, if your surgeon's office is letting you down, find another surgeon. This is when many offices show you their true colors. Count it a blessing if they show you that they are only really in it for the money. You don't want these people around if you have complications as they are the kind that will insist that everything is *all your fault*. I don't know the whole situation, but it sounds like your surgeon's office is part of the problem. Hang in there and don't give up with Cigna! You can do it. It may not happen in your timing, but trust that God will pick out the perfect time for you to have this surgery. Peace be with you.
   — Write L.

December 25, 2002
CHECK W/ CAROL AT DR VAGHAN'S OFFICE THEY HAVE A CONTRACT W/ CIGNA AND VERY GOOD. HE'S IN JUPITER FL. 888-576-0101 OR CK THEIR SITE WWW.SURGICALWEIGHTCONTROL.COM GOOD LUCK LEE SCHMITT
   — LEE S.

December 26, 2002
I have CIGNA and had no problems. I had an appointment with my surgeon on a Saturday and I called CIGNA on Monday and they gave me the verbal approval. After my doctor sent the paperwork in, they approved it immediately. They paid all but $700 of my $40,000+ bill. I'm surprised that your doctor didn't request a confirmation letter from CIGNA, mine did before we could even schedule the surgical date. Go to your HR rep at your employer (or whoever carries the insurance) and see if there's anything they can do. If they don't do anything, then call CIGNA direct. Provide CIGNA with all sorts of information; letter from your PCP, your surgeon, etc. Give them information about the diets that you've been on, their success and failure and your own beliefs about why this surgery is so important to you. Good Luck!
   — dolphins94

May 23, 2006
I have cigna insurance, and I did all the ask of me to do. I sent them all they wanted, then they send me a ltter telling me that I don't have medical reason enough. so I appealed it, TWICe. and got denied both times... so here I am bigger then ever and more medical problems... I HATE CIGNA....Good luck....
   — Iva