Question for Cigna Subscribers

I attended an information session yesterday regarding the Lap-Band system and became quite discouraged when the nurse began to discuss insurance and payment.  She said that Cigna is probably the worst insurance company that her office deals with.  I am interested in chatting with anyone who could give me advice on how to approach Cigna for authorization.  I am 4'10 1/2" -  4'11'' , 215 lbs with no comorbities.  However, I do suffer from chronic back and hip pain, baker's cyst in my left knee, GERD, and high cholesterol.  I have the appointment with my PCP, surgeon, psychologist, and nutrionist scheduled.  Any insight would be helpful.  Thanks!

I have Cigna and was told the same thing. It really discouraged me, but did not stop me. I first of all got my PCP to go through all of my medical charts and send everything that she could to them. I wrote a letter explaining my life long battle with my weight. In the letter I added a list of every prescription and non-prescription diet aid that I had ever tried and every diet that I had ever tried.
I followed the supervised diet that they require and held my breath. It only took 4 months to be approved.
 Go to their web site and research it. Call them and talk to real people. Be relentless. You can do it!!
Good luck!!
Cath

I have Cigna insurance and also heard that they are difficult to deal with. My insurance should be submitted anytime now from what I've been told. I did the required 6 month physician supervised diet and consulted a dietitian each month as well. I had written documentation each month of VS, weight and dietary education. I have completed the psych eval and am working on completing all of those requirements (exercise plan, continued 4 week food diary). I got every piece of information that I could get my hands on from my medical records that listed my weights and any reference to weight loss. I spoke with my GYN and she wrote a letter as well as having my PCP's letter of referral. I don't know what else to tell you but I will be able to let you know how my case turns out soon enough. Keep your fingers crossed and let me know if there is anything I can help you with