Question:
Has anyone had Cigna Health insurance and been denied? If so, why?

My doctor mailed my pre-determination to my insurance company on Nov. 21, 2001 a couple of weeks ago I talked to my insurance company to see if they received it and they had him fax it again. I recently received conformation that they received his second fax this week. I don't understand why they wouldn't have received the first two letters. I'm feeling really uncertain as to whether they will even approve me or not. I have a bmi of 43.3, and I have been this way for over five years, but I haven't been to the doctor much, in the past five years. I was on a supervised weightloss diet for 6 months prior to seeing Dr. Wongsa about the surgery. Has anyone esle in Houston, or anywhere esle, had Cigna and been denied, or had complications with them? If you have what was their excuse for them denying you and how did you, or how are you fighting it?    — tjmoore (posted on December 15, 2001)

December 15, 2001
Hi Tasha, My husband has Cigna PPO and yes I was denied on my first try! We had to go back to my primary doctor and getpast weight history and a list of meds I am taking for type II diabetes! But, this was successful for me as I am having my surgery in just a little over two weeks! I was told that no matter what, Cigna will deny you on the first try and you will have to appeal. I guess this way they are making sure that you truly want this surgery! They make you work for it! My journey from seeing my doctor to getting the approval was about 5 months long! Good luck and be aggressive!
   — Lori D.

December 15, 2001
I just got done with a 6 month battle with Cigna. You will almost certainly be denied on your first attempt no matter what you provided up front.Don't be too disapointed at the first denial, instead call Walter& Kelly Lindstrom at Obesity Law. Their website is obesitylaw.com and they are very reasonable and know every twist and turn with Cigna. Be patient they are swamped.Best of luck,greg
   — Greg S.

December 15, 2001
I also have CIGNA PPO and no comorbidities. Although my bmi is 54, I was not required to show ANY kind of documentation of any sort. I was approved in less then a week on the first submission of paperwork. They are paying 100%! Keep calling and let them know you are waiting for approval. GOod Luck to you.
   — Branwen W.

December 16, 2001
My husband has Cigna PPO insurance and he was approved within 3 weeks. Had to call a time or two, but that was all. I am fixing to have open RNY in January and I was approved through his insurance within 4 weeks and again I had to call to make sure they received the doctors information, which they claimed they didn't, so the doctors office faxed it to them and after it was received they approved it within 3-4 days. I have also heard from a lady in our support group that she had Cigna HMO and it took her a few months to get approved, but I know she did, because she has had her surgery since that time. Good luck and just keep calling them every day if you have to. It definitely pays to do that.
   — [Anonymous]

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