(Cigna) what counts as a 6 month supervised diet?

[Jezzibelle]

I have CIGNA and they require the 6 month supervised diet, at least 1 co-morbidity, a visit with a nutritionist.. psych.. etc.
What I need to know is what counts? My doctor has never supervised someone who was aiming at bariatric surgery although she whole-heartedly believes this would be great for me. She decided this month would be "month 1" and she took my height/weight/BMI and suggested (and noted in the files) some small diet changes (less sugar, whole wheat pasta that kind of thing) and add a little to my exercise (which is hard on me because of joint problems). I'm just wondering if we re-evaluate these things every month, and adjust it, will that count as "medically supervised diet"?

Also, since I already see her monthly, and she always takes down my weight info, and we always talk about my weight... can she use some of the backlog she already has to speed up this 6 months? Like, if she has 4 consecutive months or weight related stuff in her files, could we use that and then I only have 2 months to do? Has anyone done that?

I just really need to make sure I get the surgery THIS YEAR because my deductible is already met for this year so that's 1 less expense for us you know?

[MoOrLess]

I'd suggest you call the insurance company yourself, don't 'offer' suggestions/info, but "gather" information from them. Ask them what it means to have a 6 month supervised diet. You will know what they are looking for then. Hope it helps and you get approved sooner, than later. It makes sense that if you talk MONTHLY to your doctor - it might be accepted from 6 months ago, until now. You never know, it's up to the insurance company.

Best wishes!

[Jezzibelle]

thanks I will be calling tomorrow for sure. :)