Question:
I had my first consult, what should I do now??

I had my first consult with the doctor this past monday 9-30, he said everything looked ok and I definately qualify for the surgery...After all was said and done, he said he was gonna give the paperwork to his nurse and she will send it over to CIGNA and I should hear something within 4-6 weeks......WELL, I'm not satisfied with that! i have heard so many horror stories about paperwork getting mixed up, forgotten, etc...(plus I've already had a little mix up with paperwork and his nurse) Should I call CIGNA and ask if they've recieved the papers?? If so, who should I speak with???    — Karen W. (posted on October 4, 2002)

October 3, 2002
Karen, what I did was wait 1 week and then call the insurance company to see if they had received the paperwork. It ended up taking my doctor's office 3 weeks to submit the paperwork due to a change in staff, but I called them and spoke politely with them once per week. I also called the insurance company once per week until paperwork was confirmed and then waited 2 weeks to call back to see if they had made a decision on approving the surgery. Hope that helps. Best Wishes to you!
   — Roberta S.

October 3, 2002
Speak to the insurance clerk for your surgeon first. Ask them two things (1) their turnaround for submitting things to Cigna and (2) a contact address for you to get other records submitted to Cigna. Go to your regular doctor and get copies of your records plus a letter of medical necessity and get them submitted to the address. Also prepare a detailed diet history that you can submit. Cigna requires a 12 week physician supervised diet within the last 12 months. If you do not have this get your regular doctor to start monitoring NOW. It need be nothing more than showing in the doctor's notes that they gave you a diet and do at least monthly weight-ins. Then be patient but persistent. Everytime you call Cigna for an update, find out the name of the person you speak with, ask for an update. Be nice, but be firm. If you don't get answers, start asking for supervisors. Good Luck.
   — Cathy S.