Question:
Does anyone know the

My insurance approval "wait" has just started. I am looking for specific "Cigna PPO" requirements. Does anyone know if it's a specific BMI required or co-morbidities? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.    — Christina D. (posted on November 13, 1999)

November 13, 1999
Hi, I have CIGNA PPO and was approved in less than a month. They paid 100%!!!! My beginning BMI was 57.7 with no other co-morbities. Good Luck!
   — Julie M.

November 14, 1999
I have Cigna PPO too. They approved me in about a month, without any problems. I have only minor co-morbidities, and didn't even have any medical documentation for them. I also turned in my best recolection of my diet history, without any records to back it up, and they didn't ask for proof of that. They did send my case to a medical committee to determine if the surgery was medically necessary. The committee must have gone by my BMI mostly, which was about 43 at the time. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

December 22, 1999
I have Cigna PPO also. I referred myself to the surgeon, who is on the PPO list. Cigna gave tentative approval on the phone when the insurance person called to verify coverage, with final predetermination of benefits received by the dr.in less than 3 weeks. The only thing they requested was a letter stating that the surgery was medically necessary. I received a precertification letter within 6 days of the initial call. My BMI fluctuates between 39 and 41; I have several comorbidities.
   — Joyce L.

January 9, 2000
My doctor's office sent my request to the insurance company on October 18th. I have a BMI of around 58 and no comorbidities. They called to tell me I was approved on November 30th. I had to call constantly and have Cigna and my doctor's office fax everything to each other. Every time something was mailed, it mysteriously 'disappeared'. I know a few people who have been approved with Cigna, so I don't think they are too strict. Just make sure you keep on them and call a lot or you'll never hear from them.
   — Amanda B.

June 12, 2000
I also have CIGNA PPO and I was approved in 4 days my BMI is 55.8 and I am having my surgery on July 5. The only requirements that I was aware of is that I had to be overweight for over two years and have a supervised by a Dr. diet history and that I could document it and a letter of medical necessity from my primary doctor. If you have any other questions please feel free to email me.
   — Catherine P.

June 12, 2000
Hi, I too have CIGNA PPO. It took only 2 days from the time that the doctors office submitted everything to the day I got approved. I received a letter in the mail a couple of weeks later. I have surgery on Aug. 15. I've already been waiting 4 months. I guess the doctor is very popular. Good Luck
   — Victoria O.