Question:
I have just started a new job and have the choice of First Health PPo or Cigna HMO.

Which will be the best for getting the surgery?    — Tracy H. (posted on February 10, 2002)

February 10, 2002
Call the billing department of the local hospital. We had to chose between 2 insurance companies and basically the hospital was a BIG help. They won't be able to tell you if the surgery is covered. They will be able to tell you if the insurance gives you a hassle over bills and procedures. The one HMO we looked at needed preapproval for EVERYTHING. The hospital billing clerk told me they were a nightmare to deal with. Call the Dr office and get the billing codes for the surgery then call each insurance company and see what they say. They can tell if it is covered and ask about how to get something approved if it isn't. Also find out at which times during the year you can switch companies. Normally there is a "window" during the year that if you hate one you can switch to the other. You will have to decide which things they offer are a priority for you in each policy.
   — Rebecca K.

April 25, 2003
I have First Health PPO through HCA Healthcare, and I was approved for the surgery in about 2 weeks....or at least that is when I heard from the surgeon's office that is was approved. First Health HCA has a very open view of this surgery, they approve it with some medical necessecity, but your health doesn't have to be failing; mine wasn't. I had minor complaints but I was sufficiently overweight so they approved me. Good Luck!!
   — Crystal C.

April 25, 2003
Get copies of the coverage details for both and read carefully. Find out what each company requires before they approve the surgery. Even though it sounds like others have used the same insurances and gotten the surgery covered, individual employers can pick and choose what they want the insurance to cover for their employees. So, it's possible for First Health to cover the surgery for some people and not others, depending on what the employer wanted. Good Luck
   — Carolyn M.