Question:
I just found out I was denied by my insurance, Cigna PPO, any helpful hints on what

actions I can take next?? After being strung along by Cigna for weeks, I finally got an answer today that I am denied for the surgery. Can anyone please tell me what the best thing for me to do now is? Should I try the appeal on my own, hire an attorney (perhaps Walter Lindstrom) or have my surgeon's office take care of it? I was about 98% sure that I was going to be denied the first time around by Cigna because I had heard of many people that were denied first and then appealed. My email is [email protected]. Thanks for your help.    — Giovanna G. (posted on July 30, 2002)

July 30, 2002
I got a first denial in VA with Cigna EPP. I was expecting it because I was in the process of completing the 12 week physician supervised diet program they insisted upon. I finished it and submitted notes and a letter from my doctor. While I was going through it I asked her to make sure her notes had some mention of each of my co-morbidities. Then I wrote a cover letter to go with it and filed a Level 1 appeal. One thing we discussed had the appeal been denied was before filing another appeal was to get a couple of other opinions on my co-morbidities from specialists. But we didn't have to do that because the Level 1 appeal worked.
   — Cathy S.

July 30, 2002
Darlin, Don't quit here! Cigna is the worst, but you have to try again. They didnt approve my first request either. What you need to do is try again. They will not approve unless it is med necessary so you have to get them all of your doc notes and records as well as a letter of med need if you can get one from your PA. This time they approved my request after four months of going back and forth with them needing this and them needing that, they did approve, so dont give up. I think they do that do everyone just because most people do quit after the first time they say no. Keep trying and call them every week twice a week if you have to until you get the information that you need. They kept telling me that they didnt get this certain info until I told them that it was sent certified mail and they signed for it then all of a sudden oh yeah they did get it. So you have to hound them, but dont give up, sweetie!
   — aprilh