Question:
What does CIGNA require for WLS BMI 38

Is gall bladder problems a clinicaly significant co-morbidity    — NovemberHope (posted on June 17, 2008)

June 17, 2008
Per the CIGNA website: 'Although guidelines vary, surgery is generally considered when your body mass index is 40 or higher or you have a life-threatening or disabling condition related to your weight. Your doctor may only consider doing gastric bypass surgery if you have not been able to lose weight with other treatments. The following conditions may also be required or are at least considered: You have been obese for at least 5 years. You do not have an ongoing problem with alcohol. You do not have untreated depression or another major psychiatric disorder. You are between 18 and 65 years of age. ' I have never heard of gall bladder problems being considered a life-threatening or disabling condition. Best wishesand good luck!
   — nursenut

June 17, 2008
It really depends on what your company is paying for. What Cigna will do for me is different from what Cigna will do for you. However, I 'm no medical professional; however, I don't think gall bladder is a co-morbidity because a skinny person can have gall bladder issues. I do know that some people who had their gall bladder removed the same time WLS was being performed. You might wish to speak with your surgeon about that. You also might want to check your State's Department of Health to find what their definition of morbid obesity -- this can help clarify a lot for you in conjunction with how Cigna will treat your case. I had a great experience with Cigna. I live in the State of Maryland and the assembly passed a law that if you do business in Maryland and have more than 50 employees you must cover the WLS surgery. So be sure to check with your state board of insurance to see if your state has anything like that on the books. Good Luck
   — the7thdean