I'm Approved!! CIGNA through FedEX!!

I can't believe it!!  After almost two years of fighting I got the call from CIGNA this morning at 9:30AM telling me the external appeal is over and I'M APPROVED FOR SURGERY!!!    OMG, I thought I was going to faint!  A big THANK YOU to everyone here who has given me advice, ammunition, encouragement and prayer.  It's been a long, drawn-out journey of three internal appeals and two external appeals.  I'm proof that YOU CAN BEAT CIGNA!!  I was told my approval letter was mailed yesterday so I should have it in my hot little hand tomorrow or Monday and I can fax it over to my surgeon's office. OMG, I just can't believe it!  Moral of this story - don't give up!  Be persistent, be tenacious and don't give up!!

Congratulations Lyndia!!   Your persistence paid off!! 

Wow! I'm so impressed that you have stuck it out this long! You truly are an inspiration to me! I haven't been denied, but they are requiring more information from me. I am sending it as soon as my psych evaluation gets approved. Do you have any advice about appeals? You seem to know what you're doing! My friend also has the same insurance that I have (BCBS of IL) and she's been denied twice. She has the 6 month diet and everything else that is required, but they have denied her once again. They told her that she can't file any more appeals after this. Could you tell me how you were able to appeal so many times?  Thank you so much! Karen

Hi Karen, I'm very sorry to hear your friend is going through so much insurance crap just like I did.  You don't say why they denied your friend, but they were denying me not for surgery but for the type of surgery I wanted, which is the Duodenal Switch.  CIGNA has 3 internal appeals you can go through plus an external appeal.  I think it just depends on the insurance you have.  Sorry I couldn't be of more assitance.  Good luck to you and to your friend.

WOW!  Congrats.  You fought the long fight and I'm so proud of you for not giving up!  Keep telling your story.  I know a lot of people will need your help.  See ya on the losers bench!