Question:
Denied Lap Band-What type of information does CIGNA Want in an appeal letter?
I applied to my insurance company for a Gastric Band and was turned down. Same old story. How every I found that all my information was not turned into Cigna. What should I put into my appeal letter that would help me? — Gussielee (posted on May 30, 2003)
May 30, 2003
sorry to say but most companies dont approved the lap band. It is still
expiremental in the US as far as they are concerned. Did you try for the
RNY? I know the band is less invasive but over all you get the best
weightloss with RNY. Good luck in your journey I'm almost there myself.
— cinamoni
May 30, 2003
The statement of "most" companies are not approving LapBand is
simply not true! I had it done on 05/06 (UHC) and my Dr.'s office is filled
with patients from MANY insurance companies. I would find out the reason
for denial, and appeal it, or resubmit it with the information they want!
If the LapBand is what you want, don't let the people on this board try to
sway you to the RNY. I am very happy with my band. I have lost 24 lbs in 3
weeks. The band is every bit as wonderful (more so in my opinion)as the
bypass.
There is a group at Spotlight Health, and Yahoo for Band patients (pre-op
and post) that may be able to give you LOTS of inforamtion on insurance.
Good luck to you in your journey!
— Jessica P.
May 30, 2003
Gee......the poster didn't ask which procedure was better than the
other.That issue has been beaten to death.......her question was in regards
to cigna so here is my opinion on that.....Cigna has been fairly easy to
get approved through for wls but since the first of the year, they have
been making it difficult for everyone even if you have all of the
requirements met.As far as your appeal goes they should have given you a
reason why you were denied.It's hard to say what you should put in your
appeal letter without that info.You stated that all of your info was not
sent in and if that is the only reason you were denied then you would just
need to provide that info in your appeal.Good luck to you!
— jennifer A.
May 30, 2003
Stacie, I was denied thru Cigna as well, but just got approved after my
first appeal. I qualified in every way for this surgery. If you could tell
us why you were denied we all could be so much more helpful I'm sure. I was
approved for RNY because Cigna (in OHIO) said they do not cover Lap Band.
Take care and best of luck to you, Audrey
— Audrey W.
May 30, 2003
You might try checking the Bandsters Insurance board.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BandstersInsurance/?yguid=6535337
Good luck to you! I hope you get your band approval. You'll love it. :)
— TMF
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