Cigna International’s earns a 2.1-star rating from 66 reviews, showing that the majority of policyholders are somewhat dissatisfied with health insurance coverage.
- All
- Reviews only
- Complaints only
- Resolved
- Unresolved
- Replied by the business
- Unreplied
- With attachments
Disability bad faith company
My Husband has Crohn's Disease. Has had it for many many years. In March of 2008 he was diagnosed with Recurring Pyoderma Gangrenosum. He then developed a massive DVT in the same leg. We would later learn he has Vascular Disease. My husband is 46 years young.
Cigna paid one day of Small Term Disability stating that Mike had a staph infection which had healed. Completely ignoring the medical data about his Chrons, PG and DVT. Mike went back to work. He spent the next 15 months on and off STD trying to return to work, the PG continuously try to take his leg, until he finally wound up in the hospital. Through this time it became completely obvious that Cigna was doing their greatest to deny his claim. They would not recognize his illnesses, lose Dr. notes, not return phone calls from us or the Dr.'s and lose vital parts of Mike's file. His Dr. had to send the same Colonoscopy report 3 times. I was additionally told by Mikes case worker that if we wanted his Crohn's to be considered in his determination she would have to start a new case. This was a blatent disregard for ALL and ANY notes they had recieved. ALL of Mikes Dr. notes state CD first, then PG.
In December we received notification that Mike was now on Long Term Disability. By May they denied his claim. We were never told that Mike was under review for LTD. As a matter of fact, their rep from Life Insurance department told Mike he was not when he questioned. Verbally we were told that "weight loss" is a determination of wether CD is payable.
Verbally we were told that "weight loss" is a determination of wether CD is payable. We were told they needed labs, and that a colonoscopy report for 10 months prior is not soon enough. The American Cancer Society recommends a colonoscopy once every 2 years even for IBD patients. They want labs for PG, Cigna's Medical Encyclopedia states there are no labs for Pyoderma Gangrenosum.
We choose to appeal the choice and questioned for Mikes file. Cigna sent out a partial file until they learned that we had hired an attorney. In the file their nurse case manager wrote, "went out of work for a DVT now claiming Crohn's disease and Pyoderma Gangrenosum." Proving yet for a second time they are not reading the file, they are just "dumping" policy holders.
Cigna's Dr. evaluated Mike, after the determination was made. Said Dr. also teaches seminars on how to deny insurance claims. This same Dr. gave Mike a new JOB description, making it simpler to say he is not payable.
We have 5 specialist in 2 different states agreeing that if Mike should not return to work, he will lose his limb. Cigna says they cannot pay on a diagnosis, ignoring the prognosis.
the company is unethical and does not up hold contractual obligations. Why pay into something for 18 years when they are so keen to screw you if you get ill? We taped them, they will not longer speak to us without us agreeing not to tape. If they were behaving in an ethical manner we would not have to tape. youtube kimike1000.
Denied Life Saving Surgery
My health insurance through my job is Cigna. I need a procedure in which my insurance company will not approve because they say it is not fda approved. Recently I learned that another patient who also has cigna was approved for the exact same procedure but yet I was told by Cigna customer service on several occasions that this was not fda approved and Cigna would not approve it for anyone. I do not know about you but this sounds like the truth is that this is an expensive procedure and that is why they are dancing around the real reason for the denial it is expensive. I guess the CEO who makes millions of dollars every year does not want anyone to cut into that.
Claim for Injury to my Foot
I agree that Cigna is a terrible insurance company. I am a health care provider and I recently sustained an injury to my right foot awhile back. First thing that I did was try to get an MRI for it! I worry that if I had a suspected nodule that needed to be biopsied they would not allow it to happen. I guess by allowing people to remain ill and eventually die, Cigna insurance company can keep the insurance claims down. Way to go Cigna, thanks for taking care of my insurance claim to the injury in my foot!
Back Surgery Denied
Needed back surgery and it was denied because Cigna decided that the procedure was expermental. So after alot of sending in alot of medical proof they only approved for me to have half a surgery and the hardware. The only problemwith this was putting in the hardware was denied again. What do I need with the hardware put it in a bag and bring it home to look...
Read full review of Cigna International and 5 commentsRip off
My husband has Cigna Health insurance from his employer and we have had nothing but misery from them.
Claims are not paid. Huge deductibles ($4, 000 for our family)and we are not able to see our family physician of 12 years. To see our family Dr. we have a $6, 000 deductible and then they MAY reimburse us around 20% of their ALLOWABLE expense.
They sent a list of medications that are only covered if you buy from their mail order pharmacy. However you must pay up front two months co payments for a 3 month supply. One of my medications they only allow a 5 doses per lifetime. The cost is under $5 a dose at my local pharmacy. I have allergies to some dyes and fillers so therefore Cigna claims my meds are no longer generic but instead name brand and subject to a $60 monthly co payment even though they are generic brands. They justify this by saying anything is name brand if you can not use whatever they happen to have on their shelves at the time.
Cigna has made the cost of my prescriptions so expensive that I can no longer fill them. It would be over $700 a month. My blood pressure and blood sugar meds I am suppose to take them twice a day, instead I can only take them once every two days. My breathing medications are no longer affordable at all. Turns out it is cheaper to land in the ER 3 times a month than take my meds. When I argued with them on my non narcotic pain meds that they only allow 5 doses per life time they suggested I get a medical marijuana card. My diabetes testing supplies are considered name brand because there are no generics. Therefor test strips are $60 a month and lancets are another $60 a month for their PREFERRED BRAND All from their mail order pharmacy.
My family Dr:. can not get on their preferred provider list because they have enough family Dr's in the area|. In the area I live in many of their providers are the health department limited care clinic providers".
I have not had one claim I did not have to argue for months". Then they denied all claims back to February claiming we did not have former credible coverage with my husbands former employer". Cigna was the pharmacy carrier for the former employer!. Now I am suppose to write to Cigna and get a certificate of creditable coverage and mail it back to them?
This POLICY runs at $1, 500 a month and we are not allowed to opt out". What a rip off for no coverage.
I apologize for all your frustrations with your CIGNA plan. If we can help in any way, please send email with questions/concerns to SCR_isolve@cigna.com
$ Taken from HSA, Vendor Not Paid, $ not Returned to Us
My husband's employer began using Cigna as a health insurance provider in 2011. We also have an HSA for the first time this year.
In mid-February I had 2 claims, one on 2-15, the other on 2-17. Our deductible had not yet been met so both of the claims were sent to our HSA account for automatic payment. At total of $1, 566.07 was deducted from our HSA account for pay ent to the providers.
In early March I was told by one provider that they hadn't received payment and were trying to work with Cigna in order to verify an EFT payment. In late April I received a bill from the other provider showing no payment had been received by them either.
I called Cigna on 4-27 and was told by Consuela that they were working with the first provider (I'll call them Provider A) to track down the payment. Provider A, I was told, was being connected with a Cigna online business site that would allow the provider to track down all necessary information themselves.
Re the payment to provider B, I was told that an EFT payment had been made and was transferred to Chase (who runs the HSA) for further information. Chase informed me that everything Consuela had just told me was incorrect and that once Cigna debits my HSA account Chase can no longer see what happened to the funds.
So I called Cigna back and talked to Yolanda. She supposedly put in a request to get information as to how payment was made to Vendor B. She said that she hoped to get a response that day, or the next day at the latest, and would call me the following day with news.
Yolanda did not call me back so on the afternoon of 4-28 I called Cigna and this time spoke with Ray Lynn. She could see Yolanda's inquiry but said it looked as if it went to the wrong department. She said that she would put in a new request for tracking and would call me back on Sunday or Monday. She did not call me back.
I called Cigna again on 5-1 and spoke with Elia who sent me to Mandy who, before I could stop her, sent me to Chase where I was told the same thing I was told before--Chase can't help me once Cigna debits my account.
SO, I called back to Cigna again and spoke with Julie. She said that she could not see a payment being made in her system and that 'we are waiting to hear from that department'. I was supremely frustrated at this point and asked for a supervisor.
I was given to a supervisor named Jeff Ellison. He said that he would find out if funds were paid to vendor B. If not, the funds that were taken from my account would be credited. If a payment was made he would get me the check clearing info. I thought...finally, I'm getting somewhere...but I was wrong.
When I spoke with Jeff Ellison again on 5-4 he said that he could not find any record of payment having been made to Vendor B. He said that he would update the service request so that the money would be credited back to my HSA. He said that he would have verification within 24-48 hours and would call me back by that Friday, May 6th.
Jeff didn't call me on Friday the 6th or Monday the 9th. I left him a voice mail on the 10th and on the 11th. Late in the afternoon of the 11th I got a call from Julie (apparently calling instead of Jeff). She told me that the payment matter was still under investigation. Cigna did take the money from my HSA and did not pay the provider, but that Cigna couldn't figure out where the money went. 'When the mystery is solved we will credit your account'. At this point I was fuming. I explained that I didn't care what Cigna had done with the money or that they needed to figure out the glitch in their system. They admitted to having withdrawn money from my account and having not paid the vendor. There is no reason for further delay, I said, pay me back! She was so sorry, she said, but they were 'working' on it and she couldn't give me a date by which I would be credited.
On 5-16 I touched base with Vendor A to see if their payment issue had been solved. Big surprise, it had not. they had gotten online with Cigna's Business Services site but all the information that they could see was 'payment was made on X date'. No payment details or an audit to show which account the payment went into. As the provider said, "Cigna has been less than helpful."
I tried to reach Jeff Ellison again and could not--only voice mail. So I called the main number and asked to speak to another supervisor. I was transferred to Gracie Lewis. She listened to my story with a mixture of horror and disbelief. She kept saying, "that just doesn't sound right that we would have taken money out of your account, not paid the vendor and drug our feet in returning your money." She apologized for Cigna's behavior and said that she would do some research, get things straightened out and call me the next morning.
5-17: Gracie didn't call me this morning. I called her and she returned my call. She said that she is working with the client service partner (my husband's employer?) and her financial services department. It is confirmed that no check went out to Vendor B...yet, she cannot tell me when I will have my money back.
I explained to her that, in my eyes, Cigna's actions translate to theft and said that if any banking institution took $1566.09 from my checking account and refused to return it I would have solid grounds for legal action--same here--and I'm considering it.
She said that she was working really hard to get this resolved...blah, blah, blah. I explained that I had gotten that same story from every person I have talked to over the previous 3 weeks and that as 'hard as everyone is working on it' nothing is being done. She said that she 'escalated' the matter to a higher level. I asked if she was the first person to 'escalate' the situation and she said yes. If this is true, it's a clear sign of how terrible Cigna's customer service is. This should have been elevated to a high priority situation on 4-27 and should have been resolved within a couple of days. Instead, the issue was passed around and ignored. I'm not hopeful that dealing with Gracie will be any different. I told her that I read Cigna's Ethics Policy online and got a huge laugh about their dedication to 'fair treatment of customers' HA! I have never been treated so poorly by any company in my life. Frankly, never imagined that treatment like this was possible.
NOTE: I asked what was happening with the payment to Vendor A. She said the investigation is currently on hold until the matter with Vendor B is solved...assuming Vendor B issue is solved they will use the same template to solve problem with Vendor A. Again...ridiculous...as if everything at Cigna were being done by hand with pen and paper in a back room. If they can't work on issues simultaneously they are operating in the dark ages. IMO, they are simply not in a hurry to refund my money because...they don't have to be. And that's what makes me the most angry. We are financially well off, but I know that this kind of gross incompetence could wreck some families with big medical bills and shaky credit. Absolutely, totally and completely disgusted with Cigna.
The consequences of this clustered mess is that we have medical bills that are due...and in some instances past due...that we will either need to pay for out of pocket (and therefore lose the advantage of paying with pre-tax dollars with funds from our HSA) or risk having damage done to our credit...all because Cigna has taken our money and refused to return it.
If anyone out there in HR is considering using Cigna, I can say loudly and clearly RUN THE OTHER WAY if you value your employers and their time and sanity.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Run around, denials, lies.
Although I'm covered for hearing tests and hearing aids, I'v been denied serveral times. All the calls made to CIGNA's telepone service reps were encouraging in that I was covered and that I should have had the Hearing aids paid for soons. Even though the service reps seemed honest, the bottom line is that still after serval months I received another denail. My company Con Edison of NY switched from United Health Care to CIGNA and it''s been the worst experianc ever. I need to contact an Governmental Agency or a lawyer because I'm fed up !
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
denial of claim
Years of paying for insurance in case of disability. Cigna paid the short term disability but when it turned into long-term, they terminated the long-term at the first follow up. Even though Social Security found permanent disability, CIGNA knows better and terminated payments. Reason? The mental health clinician used the term stable in her confidential medical records (stable in this case meant condition quit deteriorating when employment stopped) and a note indicating 8 hours of volunteering A MONTH! Wow, ability to volunteer 4 hours for two days of the month means able to work 320+ hours/month. Smart folks there at Cigna.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Have you pursued this matter legally? What's been the outcome? I too am going through this very same thing. Have had short term for almost a year now. Ready for it to roll into long term...BAM! you are not approved even though I received a letter in November saying I was approved. Please let me know what's going on. Maybe a class action suit needs to be filed against CIGNA!
refusal to pay claims
Iretired from Schlumberger and for 13 years they deducted $56 a month for a CINA policy to cover the 20% of the medical bills since medicare pays 80%. I paid $9128 for this insurance. The polecy book states that CIGNA would pay the total 20% after I paid $2000 out of pocket. When I sent copies of the hospital bills that showed I paid more that $2000 thay continued to reject the bills as not covered. I sent in the hospital bill to the CIGNA claims office that showed I paid $5, 847.44 but they seaid I had not exceeded $200. Where I went to school, 5847.44 was greater than 200.
Over time CINA rejected bilss for over $20, 000 as not covered. This does not go away I had to pay the hospital all bills that CIGNA refused to pay. It seems that the medical policy with CIGNA wsa a total fraud and they actually paid nothing, this fraud cost me over $30, 000 before I got Schumberger to stop taking money from my retirement for so called madical insurance..
denial of procedure
Each passing day I am grateful to God that I can still get up and go to work. Some days are better than others but I have to go because our only other source of income is my husbands disability. In the mean time I have had several strokes and I was diagnosed with a PFO which stands for patent forman ovale also known as a hole in my heart. This hole is believed to be the cause of my strokes. Transcatheter closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is considered medically necessary for individuals with a history of cryptogenic stroke . This was copied from the website below,
http://www.anthem.com/ca/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053319.html
My health insurance through my job is Cigna. I need a procedure called Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure in which my insurance company will not approve because they say it is not fda approved. If that is the case why is this procedure being done on a regular basis . Recently I learned that another patient who also has cigna was approved for the exact same procedure but yet I was told by Cigna customer service on several occasions that this was not fda approved.and Cigna would not approve it for anyone and yet they approve another patient for the exact same procedure as what I am being denied for, I do not know about you but this sounds like the truth is that this is an expensive procedure and that is why they are dancing around the real reason for the denial it is expensive. I guess the CEO who makes millions of dollars every year does not want anyone to cut into that. One year the CEO made 12 million dollars and recently was saying that he was going to give his employees raises. Yea raises but at whose expense. Their customers expense. I was told I could have a major stroke and even die from this. In the last few days I have not been feeling well and I am not quite sure what is happening, I could become a vegetable or be dead at the age of 50. Please think about this, If this was happening to you or a family member you would be fighting like crazy and hoping someone would take the time and expose this injustice, Cigna is doing this because they think they can get away with this as they have done in the past. Together let us show Cigna and the government that this is not acceptable. No one as of yet has helped me so first come is the one who will get the story. The hint is that if something happens to me my family especially my husband has vowed that he will bring cigna to their knees and put them out of business. Who are they to decide who lives and who dies? Doctors would not put their reputations on the line and do a procedure that is not fda approved at the risk of being sued. I read about a 17 year girl who needed a transplant done and cigna would not approve it and finally as a result of people picketing in front of cigna they agreed to authorize the day the girl died. Now the girls parents are going after cigna for murder. So will my family if this happens to me. Think about how you would feel if everyone was sitting on their hands and your loved one or yourself needed a procedure as a matter of survival what would you do. You would hope like I am hoping that someone would have the guts to standup with me against cigna and say that this is not acceptable.
Please help me
Rose
[protected]
Usually insurance companies must offer an option to appeal the determination when they do not approve a request. Have you filed an appeal yet ?
Refused to pay
I was employed by Konica Minolta and my department was dissolved in January 2010. Konica paid for my insurance for 1 month and paid the supplemental cobra through ADP to Cigna. I am over 65 but because I was employed by a large company I paid $700 a month in premiums for me and my spouse. In February 2010 I fell and broke my knee. Cigna was still in force as the primary provider. They paid part and then demanded their money back from health providers, saying that because I did not carry Part B they were not responsible in any way for paying my claims. Medicare told me that as long as I was paying the insurance I would not need Part B
and after my layoff, I couldn't carry Part B and still keep Cobra. In May I started Part B, cancelling my Cobra, which was too expensive to maintain with the Part B premiums added. My daughter, who is a nursing home administrator has informed me that Cigna has the worst reputation in the health care community for paying claims and told me of her multiple experiences concering Cigna claims.
Bad service
I have fought Cigna for the last 9 months each time I visit the doctor. They try to deny. They postpone payments. Cigna also sends forms to get my doctor to fill them out so that they can try to deny all of my claims. Funny thing is I am healthy and am going for normal stuff. No surgery at all. Someone really needs to investigate this company please!
my attitide is angry, bitter, towards cigna as I live in pain daily, I have had steroid injections and they can't be done anymore per Dr, Letters from primary care, physical therapy, chipractic care along with m.r.i.s and back surgeion have been submitted over 100 pages of documentation and cigna has mis handled my case intentionally, My first lumbar surgery was 1987 I did very well afterwards so it has definately been more than 6 mos per: cignas requirements also all other means of pain relief have been used as per; cignas qualification's I do not have a normal life any more and live on pain pills and muscle relaxers have even had to use duragesic patches in the past that i had an allergic reaction too.
I am not happy at all with cigna and thier robbery of there members and the lies that they have put on thier info page and wall
PublicCandace AndersenCigna GO YOU
cigna : read you'r info :
per you'r info: You do not trat people as individuals and you do not care about people as stated and the members such as I have found this out !
cigna has had several class action law suits filed against them by physicians in many staes and I Hope that many more will follow suit especially utah after I talk to the attorney generals office.
everyone who has cigna as a insurance company should go to youtube and look at the video ( cigna employee flips off mother of dead daughter ) as cigna refused a liver transplant for her daughter !
I have been denied lumbar surgery repeatedly by cigna even tho I do meet all of there requirements and even had to put the appeals process in my back surgeons hands and cigna has upheld the denial at every appeal and now has sent it to imedic an external review process they use when a person and or physicians appeal thier denials, ( No doubt in my mind at this time that imedic is in cignas back pocket ! ) Not only did cigna do this I also have uncoverd the fact that cigna has also neglected to send all of the updated info from my back surgeon to imedic, cigna has recieved over 100 pages of documentation and only sent 30 pages to imedic, so my physician/sugeion is sending the rest of the info !)
cigna has also even denied a simple m.r.i. to another man who works for the same company that my husband works for which is (Bill Barrett corp) home office Denver colorado and Roosevelt utah.
I also know that there are many people here in the basin having the same problem with cigna. cignappo, cignappogreatwest.
I also fear that there are many more to come !
If any person reading this doubts anything I have said then get on line and look up the youtubr video, also look up class action lawsuits filed against cigna, also go to consumer complaints and file a consumer complaint against them in the state you live if you have had the same problem with cigna, also check out the bonuses that cigna c.e.o. and other employees get while members are not recieveing the care that they are entitled to recieve !
As a result of cignas delays, denials and upholding denials to each appeal process and then sending partial information to imedic we will be dropping cigna as our insurance through the company my husnand is employed! especially when we pay approximately 6, 000.00 per year in premiums to cigna and this is the harassing, denied medical we have recieved when I have met all the requested criteria !
Good luck to who ever has cigna, but please do look into everything I have said !
Sincerely :
Candace andersen
Roosevelt utah
UnlikeLike · · 14 hours ago · You like this..
Cigna GO YOU Candace-I'm very sorry for the different problems you have had with us. I would be more than happy to take a look at your account to see if there is anything more I can do for you. If you would like my assistance, please email me at SCR_isolve@cigna.com2 hours ago · LikeUnlike.Candace Andersen I also know that even fed ex which is a nationwide company has dropped cigna for the same reasons as I have a very close friend that worked for fed ex . Cigna is the problem, what do u think u can do for me that cigna has not already done to me ! but I will e-mail you my member # and I bet my last dollar that you will do absolutely nothing accept uphold everything cigna has !about an hour ago · LikeUnlike.Candace Andersen I have kept notes on all that i have had to go through with cigna f.y.i.about an hour ago · LikeUnlike.Candace Andersen attached from ur info, what a joke and a lot of lies !about an hour ago · LikeUnlike.Candace Andersen also noticed that there is only a like button and no dislike button, Interesting !1about an hour ago · LikeUnlike.Cigna GO YOU Candace-I will be awaiting your response! As soon as I get your info I will be looking into your issues!30 minutes ago · LikeUnlike.Candace Andersen You can copy this and i have already submitted my member I d #, just another form of delays I am sure ! and just in case you need to know my member id is [protected] minutes ago · LikeUnlike.
Adan- I am sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. I would love to help. You can email me @SCR_isolve@cigna.com with your contact information and I will be more than happy to take a look. Hope to hear from you soon!
disbaility bad faith company
My Husband has Crohn's Disease. Has had it for many many years. In March of 2008 he was diagnosed with Recurring Pyoderma Gangrenosum. He then developed a massive DVT in the same leg. We would later learn he has Vascular Disease. My husband is 46 years young.
Cigna paid one day of Short Term Disability stating that Mike had a staph infection which had healed. Completely ignoring the medical data about his Chrons, PG and DVT. Mike went back to work. He spent the next 15 months on and off STD trying to return to work, the PG continuously try to take his leg, until he finally wound up in the hospital. Through this time it became completely obvious that Cigna was doing their best to deny his claim. They would not recognize his illnesses, lose Dr. notes, not return phone calls from us or the Dr.'s and lose vital parts of Mike's file. His Dr. had to send the same Colonoscopy report 3 times. I was also told by Mikes case worker that if we wanted his Crohn's to be considered in his determination she would have to start a new case. This was a blatent disregard for ALL and ANY notes they had recieved. ALL of Mikes Dr. notes state CD first, then PG.
In December we received notification that Mike was now on Long Term Disability. By May they denied his claim. We were never notified that Mike was under review for LTD. As a matter of fact, their rep from Life Insurance department told Mike he was not when he asked. Verbally we were told that "weight loss" is a determination of wether CD is payable.
Verbally we were told that "weight loss" is a determination of wether CD is payable. We were told they needed labs, and that a colonoscopy report for 10 months prior is not soon enough. The American Cancer Society recommends a colonoscopy once every 2 years even for IBD patients. They want labs for PG, Cigna's Medical Encyclopedia states there are no labs for Pyoderma Gangrenosum.
We decide to appeal the decision and asked for Mikes file. Cigna sent out a partial file until they learned that we had hired an attorney. In the file their nurse case manager wrote, "went out of work for a DVT now claiming Crohn's disease and Pyoderma Gangrenosum." Proving yet again they are not reading the file, they are just "dumping" policy holders.
Cigna's Dr. evaluated Mike, after the determination was made. Said Dr. also teaches seminars on how to deny insurance claims. This same Dr. gave Mike a new job description, making it easier to say he is not payable.
We have 5 specialist in 2 different states agreeing that if Mike should not return to work, he will lose his limb. Cigna says they cannot pay on a diagnosis, ignoring the prognosis.
This company is unethical and does not up hold contractual obligations. Why pay into something for 18 years when they are so eager to screw you if you get ill? We taped them, they will not longer speak to us without us agreeing not to tape. If they were behaving in an ethical manner we would not have to tape. youtube kimike1000.
Thanks so much for the encouragment!
We know what we have paid for. The problem is, Cigna does not want to pay. We are appealing with an attorney. Mike should be paid until he is in his 60's. The contract is very clear on that. That does not mean Cigna is going to up hold the contract. There are terms for what they are doing to us. The insurance industry is protected under ERISA, which are laws written in the 1940's. They are also protected by current day politicians because they spend a ton of money on campaigns. I have plenty of time to do plenty of research on Cigna. I thank you for your reply.
get your spam off of my blog
*I meant to write that 'if Mike SHOULD return to work, he will lose his limb'.
Failure to cover
I files a pre-insurance estimate for dental work from my dental plan and my wife's plan, where I am also covered. Cigna Insurance stated, in their pre-insurance estimate that they would cover their portion. I had the dental work done and now Cigna states they will not cover their portion since my insurance is the primary insurer, even though I am covered under a separate policy through my wife's plan and the premuims are paid each month. Cigna has always paid in the past years and now wants to change their policy even though they obligated themselves through a pre-insurance estimate. Cigna SUCKS as an insurance company and I would advise anyone looking to avoid this company. No wonder the government wants to change health insurance with companies like Cigna. They will take your premium, but not cover you when they say they will.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Customer Service gives wrong info
We were told by Cigna to go to an in network specialist. It would be a copay of 45 dollars. We go and the provider that was given was affiliated with a hospital so the hospital did their billing. The hospital bills cigna and we were billed towards our 500 dollar deductible instead of just a 45 dollar specialist copay. We were there before and it was just a copay but they made a mistake, Cigna said, and it should've been applied to our deductible. If that is so, why did Cigna tell us a 45 copay and give us the provider to go to?
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
mail service or insurance company
Does any one know what happens when the postal service is fraudently misplacing certain mail. My checks are late but my bills are on time and 1 of the checks I did not receive from Cigna insurance, misstakenly as they claim left out one of the number for the house number but their system for a physical address had the whole address correct, it those not make sense but it those to them as they get to keep the check longer and catch more interest and they do not do direct deposit. The insurance company that sends the check 7 days before due but the date printed on check shows other wise, they blame the mail service. After complaining to postal service, my check arrives in 1-2 days after with the exeception of the one check that i did not receive. This month after my 3rd complaint with the postal office, My neighbors one from a block away, are deliverying some of my mail that are being placed in their box mean while I also receive some in my box. I compalint to the postal service and instead of investigating their mail man they sent a compalint to consumer affair stating that is the next highest authority, never giving me a explaination of why after i file a compalint the mail man delivers it 1-2 days later. I thought it was federal and fraudulent when someone messes with the mail. So who procecutes the postal when it is within it. I have so many stories that has to do with our system and the corruption with proof as document and recordings of course other wise i would not state this. Sorry I cant place the proof they are recordings and i do have a paper from the postal with complaint.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Got full cover, but refused cover
I have had full cover for my dental insurance for many years now.
Every year we are told they don't cover this or that.
I did not buy insurance just for emergencies, I bought it to cover my dental plan.
Cigna Healthcare is not worth the monthly.
Your government should be ashamed for taking back hander's for this business to allow them
to refuse the insured and get bonuses for refusals. The more they refuse the more bonuses they get.
I am starting a smear campaign here in the Uk just for them.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Lack of Followup
I have been waiting to have surgery since July 2008. They keep requesting documents from my Dr & then don't follow up to see that they have them until I call the next time. In the meantime, I haven't gotten a good night's sleep since June 2008 & either can't feel my left arm or have a left arm that is so painful, I am in tears.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Termination
If you think they treat their members poorly then you should really hear how badly they treat their employees. For starters we have the worst benefit plan offered. I worked there for almost 4 yrs until I was terminated and spoke to over 100 people per day all of which had better benefits than I have ever been offered by the company. Being that they are the...
Read full review of Cigna International and 7 commentsRip off company
I had a back operation on 04/29/08. I have paid for long term disability for CIGNa Insurance for 7 years.
The normal recovery time for the procedure I had is
3 to 6 months. Cigna thought I should have been back to work in 2 weeks. This is totally insane.
I have as yet not been paid and am at the end of my rope as I have lost the job I had. I have filed an appeal, but have gotten a royal run around. I don't know what to do next. Please help! My doctor would not ok me to return to work until the end of July (3 months).
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Count me in- almost had a break down - for the 10th time with this company! A SCAM!
Let's unite and file a suit
Isn't there a way to have any of this investigated... as in action taken so they are held accountable? If there is something that can be done I'd like to know and be involved.
I replied to another post on here that they are illegally blocking people from wellness. Try finding an attorney to take them on. Mine is blatant in writing illegal over and over. I ended up having to tell my company what was happening. I don't recommend that... I recommend finding a patient advocate to assist you.
WORST insurance company in my opinion! The only seem to make their ENORMOUS profits and exec bonuses by SCREWING CUSTOMERS! They seem to routinely DENY rightful disability claims to...but since they got in hot water with the courts it now seems they have adjusted to paying just a few weeks or a month and THEN automatically denying!
I have feet swollen up like sausages from RA and I also have asthma, fibromyalgia and sleep apnea...and these JERKS say they are denying my disability claim and that I can do my job as a truck driver...MY EMPLOYER will NOT ALLOW me to work until the doctor will sign a "fit for duty" document..and he says I can not work too..in the SAME documents he sent to both CIGNA and my employer. My employer a DECENT company has even extended my leave time even though I have been gone more than 12 weeks and possibly may never be able to return, because I need to see a neurologist too now...but Cigna apparently would prefer I faked being WELL and and killed someone accidentally in a 18 wheeler accident than pay what is RIGHTFULLY due to me. And they DID pay THREE WEEKS...then denied any further claim and refused to take up to date medical info BEFORE THEIR own cutoff date...a upper manager FINALLY included SOME of it..but the crooks STILL denied my claim...but tell me they would be glad to "help" me appeal it! LIKE I WOULD EVER TRUST CIGNA AGAIN...DEN OF THIEVES IN MY OPINION I do NOt know how anyone can work for this company that screws people when they need the help most. I have worked HARD for over twenty years and now when I actually NEED the std insurance..I find out it's not worth much more than the paper it is printed on!
CIGNA is more like a PONZI SCHEME than an insuraqnce company in my opinion. It seesm they can only clear a massive profit by screwing thousands of their customers. They seem to ROUTINELY deny and delay claims to the point many give up or become infuriated at their seemingly TOTAL lack of compassion or customer service. They have Drs on staff according to what I understand and these Drs that ROUTINELY seem to deny claims for CIgna have a HUGE CONFLICT OF INTEREST!
They approved my claim but after a few weeks denied any further coverage all of a sudden for NO legitiamate reason other than THEIR medical people...who have never even SEEN me denyiong my claim...but my doctor and my employer say I can NOT go back to work and maybe never be able to go. BUT my employer, who is a decent company extended my FMLA even though I exhausted the normal 12 weeks...CIGNA however has been nothing but a huge nightmare and STILL refuses to deny my RIGHTFUL claim!
We signed up for Cigna and they are trying to pro-rate my wife all the way back to her re-hire date. What's worse is they also pro-rated me and signed her up as an employee + 1, even though I'm not supposed to be on the plan. They bilked us for thousands and refuse to change it or let her drop the plan even though they are in error. They are the absolute worst and I advise anyone who's thinking of signing with them to STAY AWAY!
My 3 year old son had extensive tooth decay. We were told due to his age, the 5 crowns, 2 cavities, and caps would need to be done under general anesthesia as an out patient procedure. Because we were told both dental and medical would be filed, I called CIGNA before giving the go to have the procedure done to make sure this procedure would be covered. The customer service tech reviewed my plan after keeping me on hold to look through it and returned to the line telling me that she did find where this procedure would be covered due to his age. Because he was under 7 years old, it was covered as a medical necessity. My decision to move forward to with the procedure was based on this information. Had I been told it was not covered, I would have never allowed it. We would have had to find another alternative because my husband and I cannot afford to pay out of pocket over $12K. Now the procedure is done and the EOB's are coming back denied because the decay was not caused by illness or injury. I called to inquire about this and was told by another tech that she saw were I had called, and was told it was covered. Then she told me I was told incorrect information and that she did ask her supervisor and the only thing I could do is file an appeal. But that was after I told her this was not right and I would continue to fight the denial. Now I'm appealing my case and feel the storm just starting. I would like to know who gives some pencil pushing idiots the right to determine what your doctor has requested as "medically necessary" as not? I am so frustrated and ready to file a complaint the the insurance commissioner in my state and contact my local news. I feel like I have to do something to expose this type of issue. This is fraud reversed! I was told it was covered by CIGNA. I had no reason to doubt the CIGNA employee when I called. I guarantee I will not be using CIGNA next year!
I paid $600/mo out of my own pocket through my company's medical plan while serving in Iraq from [protected]. When my wife called me to ask about my kids' mandatory booster shots for attending school, Cigna refused saying, "Don't call us unless there's an ambulance involved."
When I returned from Iraq, I got the COBRA letter from them asking me to continue my coverage after employment for $2, 100/mo... all for nothing! Cigna Execs should all go to prison.
Cigna has merged with Great West Health Care.
I have a PPO through my employer with Cigna and even in network they cover NOTHING . I pay 400.00 per month to have a 2500.00 individual deductable, and a 7000.00 family deductable. Each deductable must be met once in network and once for out of network!
Therefore I would have to spend for my family of four: 17000.00 before I was covered by my insurance! All deductables must be met BEFORE THEY PAY ANYTHING and no deductibles count toward other ones, like my son say he reaches the 2500.00 in network deductable, well that is not applied to teh family deductable, no, you do not work on the family deductable until ALL the other deductables are met.
In short I pay Cigna 4800.00 a year so I can be liable for another 17000.00 a year in possible medical bills, Oh did I mention I make 35000.00 a year, so half my income is out on medical if we have a surgery that is very expensive or simply a tragedy.
We are not eligeable for medicaid and I am not ALLOWED to cancel Cigna unless I have proof of insurance elsewhere, which I cannot pay for until I get rid of Cigna! They are an aweful, aweful company. I ghave never had insurance that was so worthless. I miss AETNA or United Healthcare. Heck anyone that will pay a claim after I make my co pay!
I have been on disability since 07-30-09 and have only got one check from Cigna, it is to be paid weekly they said. I called and was tolded "we do not control the mail". I got a check today 09-04-09 but it has a stop payment on it. Cigna is the biggest ripoff ever.
Cigna International Reviews 0
If you represent Cigna International, take charge of your business profile by claiming it and stay informed about any new reviews or complaints submitted.
Overview of Cigna International complaint handling
-
Cigna International Contacts
-
Cigna International phone numbers+1 (800) 102-4462+1 (800) 102-4462Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 102-4462 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 102-4462 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 102-4462 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 102-4462 phone numberIndia150 0033150 0033Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling 150 0033 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling 150 0033 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling 150 0033 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling 150 0033 phone numberIndonesia800 011 709800 011 709Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling 800 011 709 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling 800 011 709 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling 800 011 709 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling 800 011 709 phone numberTaiwan800 5533800 5533Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling 800 5533 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling 800 5533 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling 800 5533 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling 800 5533 phone numberUAE+1 (800) 997-1654+1 (800) 997-1654Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 997-1654 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 997-1654 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 997-1654 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 997-1654 phone numberCustomer Service+1 (866) 494-2111+1 (866) 494-2111Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (866) 494-2111 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (866) 494-2111 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (866) 494-2111 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (866) 494-2111 phone numberInsurance+1 (800) 285-4812+1 (800) 285-4812Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 285-4812 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 285-4812 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 285-4812 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 285-4812 phone numberHome Delivery Pharmacy+1 (800) 433-5768+1 (800) 433-5768Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 433-5768 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 433-5768 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 433-5768 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 433-5768 phone numberBehavioral Health+1 (800) 668-3813+1 (800) 668-3813Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 668-3813 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 668-3813 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 668-3813 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 668-3813 phone numberMedicare Advantage+1 (800) 627-7534+1 (800) 627-7534Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 627-7534 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 627-7534 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 627-7534 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 627-7534 phone numberMedicare Advantage, Arizona+1 (800) 222-6700+1 (800) 222-6700Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 222-6700 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 222-6700 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 222-6700 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 222-6700 phone numberMedicare Rx Prescription Drug Plans+1 (866) 459-4272+1 (866) 459-4272Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (866) 459-4272 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (866) 459-4272 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (866) 459-4272 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (866) 459-4272 phone numberMedicare Supplemental Insurance+1 (800) 244-6224+1 (800) 244-6224Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 244-6224 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 244-6224 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 244-6224 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +1 (800) 244-6224 phone numberMedical and Dental+64 49 319 772+64 49 319 772Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +64 49 319 772 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +64 49 319 772 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +64 49 319 772 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +64 49 319 772 phone numberNew Zealand+86 400 880 3633+86 400 880 3633Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +86 400 880 3633 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +86 400 880 3633 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +86 400 880 3633 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +86 400 880 3633 phone numberChina+852 25 601 990+852 25 601 990Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +852 25 601 990 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +852 25 601 990 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +852 25 601 990 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +852 25 601 990 phone numberHong Kong+91 224 985 4100+91 224 985 4100Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +91 224 985 4100 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +91 224 985 4100 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +91 224 985 4100 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +91 224 985 4100 phone numberIndia+82 15 880 058+82 15 880 058Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +82 15 880 058 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +82 15 880 058 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +82 15 880 058 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +82 15 880 058 phone numberSouth Korea+34 902 125 130+34 902 125 130Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +34 902 125 130 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +34 902 125 130 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +34 902 125 130 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +34 902 125 130 phone numberSpain+66 20 993 999+66 20 993 999Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +66 20 993 999 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +66 20 993 999 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +66 20 993 999 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +66 20 993 999 phone numberThailand+90 850 222 0860+90 850 222 0860Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +90 850 222 0860 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +90 850 222 0860 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +90 850 222 0860 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +90 850 222 0860 phone numberTurkey+44 147 578 8182+44 147 578 8182Click up if you have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +44 147 578 8182 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Cigna International by calling +44 147 578 8182 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +44 147 578 8182 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Cigna International by calling +44 147 578 8182 phone numberUnited Kingdom
-
Cigna International emailssupport@cigna.com100%Confidence score: 100%Supportmichael.crompton@cigna.com94%Confidence score: 94%
-
Cigna International address900 Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield, Connecticut, 06002, United States
-
Cigna International social media
-
Checked and verified by Jenny This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn moreJun 13, 2024
Recent comments about Cigna International company
more robocalls than I can countOur Commitment
We make sure all complaints and reviews are from real people sharing genuine experiences.
We offer easy tools for businesses and reviewers to solve issues together. Learn how it works.
We support and promote the right for reviewers to express their opinions and ideas freely without censorship or restrictions, as long as it's respectful and within our Terms and Conditions, of course ;)
Our rating system is open and honest, ensuring unbiased evaluations for all businesses on the platform. Learn more.
Personal details of reviewers are strictly confidential and hidden from everyone.
Our website is designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and absolutely free for everyone to use.
Thankfully,
An outside source ruled that I am totally and permanently disabled and Cigna restored my status. They have acted very professionally since the reinstatement and are paying as the policy states.
Jeffery Kele Sewell, M.D., Pharm.D.
Letter of Appeal
To; Cigna Insurance (Life Insurance of North America)
Coleen D.
From; Jeffery Kele Sewell
Incident # 2364076
Policy # LK0961402
I am writing to appeal your abrupt decision to discontinue my settlement payments on April 16th, 2013. I am disappointed in the manner in which my funding ceased and would have liked to discuss options about my future before being saddled with abrupt funding disruption. It was my impression that I was under an evaluation for promotion to any occupation coverage and without question my coverage would continue until July, 2013 (Last check in August, 2013). Without question, I cannot return to my prior occupation. You need to look more carefully at the Independent Medical evaluation as it precludes me from returning to work and the surveillance video in question shows no evidence contrary to my stated abilities.
Dr. Arant, Dr. Berard, Dr. Reid, Theresa Masek M.S., and Dr. Schacher have all arrived at the same conclusion; that I am disabled and cannot return to my regular occupation at this time. Yes, Dr. Schacher said that as well. His conclusion was on page 4 of the medical report under the CVA section, “most significantly, he has had short term memory loss manifested behaviorally as the transposition of numbers and data. He has discovered that he has paid some bills twice; he routinely misplaces items around the house and spends time searching for them.” Later he says, “He has noticed at times that he suddenly cannot recall simple medical terms.” On page 8 under cognitive complaints he concludes, “In my opinion, his hospital is unlikely to let him return to clinical practice without neurocognitive testing.” So, the Independent medical evaluation ruled that I cannot return to work, yet you(Cigna…LINA) have somehow concluded with the same data that I can return to work, and should have on April 17th, 2013. Dr. Schacher goes on to say, “These results would also impact whether he can be trusted to do sedentary activities, such as peer review.” So he concludes I am disabled for any occupation for which I am trained pending further testing. Instead of ordering further testing, you stop my benefits without notice or cause, resulting in great financial harm to my family and I and undue stress.
Theresa Masek, M.S. has been misquoted and her comments taken out of context in your denial letter. Her medical records clearly relate the following chain of events which happen as I try to perform the rigors of medical practice. WORK RELATED STRESS leads to ANXIETY ATTACKS causing PANIC ATTACKS(altering judgement) resulting in SPASMS OF MY CORONARY ARTERIES (Prinzemetal’s angina). Yes, they are periodic but they occur AS A RESULT OF WORK, and since I cannot work I have less anxiety( less need for therapy as well). Conclusion; I cannot work in a stressful job such as my prior occupation.
Dr. Arant (Cardiologist) has been very clear in his notes and letters about the risk of coronary spasms and the potential disastrous results. Spasm can lead to myocardial infacrction and death if unabated. Work related stress has and will lead to worsening of the condition. With the last medication changes, however, I am less likely to have angina unless I am submitted to serious conflict such as my ongoing financial burden and uncertain future.
Thanks to Dr. Reid my Asthma has stabilized. My exacerbations are infrequent and sits low in the scaled reasons for my disability. However, as he has said in his letters, it plays a role in my overall inability to function.
Contrary to your belief, my medical problems do not exist in separate columns and paragraphs but inside my mind and body. Dr. Berard, my Internist, prescribes the SIXTEEN MEDICATIONS which he feels are required to maintain my current level of health. He feels that taken in total, all of my health problems absolutely make me un-employable. Fatigue and memory loss have plagued me most recently as the sum total result of all infirmaries and medications.
Dr. Berard and Dr. Bob N. (Neurology) cared for me after my stroke in August of 2011. If you recall, I was working part time when this occurred! Dr. Bob N. labeled the CVA a thalamic infarct. He felt that I would get better and thank GOD I have improved. I was on a walker for several months, then a cane, then a cane to be used as needed. (I have shared that in all of my reports). Thalamic strokes are not always readily visible on imaging studies. On some of my reports (MRI noted infarct in this area versus artifact) residual damage was noted, others it was not. Nevertheless, I still suffer neuropathy on my left side and weakness in my left leg. I struggle mightily with stairs and have learned how to compensate. When I am fatigued, the weakness presents itself greater. The cause of the CVA is unknown but one Neurologist, Dr. Hard, (Harbin Clinic Rome, Ga.) discovered an extremely low Vitamin D3 level, which has been implicated in strokes at very young ages. This, along with severe sleep apnea and Blood pressure spikes likely caused the stroke. I have had workups for Amyloidosis, ALS, and Multiple Sclerosis looking for etiologies and trying to develop a preventative plan. None were revealing.
The unidentified object that I was carrying into the track meet in Birmingham, Alabama (I was followed from Bremen, Ga. To Birmingham, Alabama on February, 10th) was a plastic bag with Fierce Strawberry Gatorade and one half empty diet Sunkist. (My Daughter reminded me what I was carrying on that day). Combined weight of the now identified object was about 38 ounces, or 2 pounds and 6 ounces. I think my camera was in the bag as well and it weighed about 10 ounces….so the actual weight was about 3 pounds. This weight does not exceed the 10 pound light occupation limit. My cellular phone weighs about 5 ounces and picking it up is not difficult for me. I can even talk on it and move my arm with a fluid motion. I am right handed and likely did not use my left hand to make a fluid motion with the device.
I find it interesting that in the 90 plus minute time period that the only time I was filmed was when I got out of my car at the meet. Was I using my cane to walk to the car from my house or when I stopped at the store to purchase the Gatorade and Diet Sunkist on the way to the meet? Also, as I said earlier I do not use the cane every day and when I am fatigued I am more likely to need the cane. The track meet was early on the 10th and was long. The next day I was very tired from the drive and early awakening, so I needed the cane. The fact I was at the pulmonary specialist with a cane is irrelevant. The Pulmonologist is a lung specialist and cares little if I walk with a can or not. In fact, I have seen him several times without a cane in hand.
According to the light occupation definition which you provided in the letter, I am fully incapable of performing those tasks. The definition only accounts for the physical requirements of my own occupation and label them as light. In the last portion of the definition it points out that, the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials……..I cannot physically perform these duties at a production rate for a 10 plus hour day as is the case with a primary care physician.
Dr. Schacher reviewed an orthopedic office visit from 3/7/2012. I saw Dr. Colpini (I believe it was him. Please look at the note) because I was trying to walk without my cane and I fell and injured my foot and shoulder. No fracture was noted but I was instructed to use my cane.
I had a TIA in 2007. In August of 2011 I then had a CVA. Luckily, I have partially recovered. This occurred while I was working part time. My concern is what will happen to me if I have another neurological event? I do not want my family to be saddled with the duties of caring for me if I survive a catastrophic stroke!
What you are asking of me defies the standards of your industry. A primary care physician in my area is on partial disability for a TIA alone! He has nothing else wrong with him. He is only allowed to work part time because of the risk of another TIA or worse a CVA. You all want me to return to full time duty as a primary care physician with a stroke risk monumentally higher than my colleague.
The definition of a disabled physician is: one that renders he or she incapable of providing proper care for one’s patient. This may be due to physical and/or mental illnesses. This includes being present on a daily basis and being able to handle all facets of the job which include long and rigorous hours with mental and physical fatigue being common. If a physician cannot be at work at least 90% of the time, then she is disabled. Last week, I would have missed three days with a kidney stone. This week I would have been out with chest pain and shortness of breath. Fatigue causes me to take frequent naps and peripheral neuropathy pain keeps me from resting properly, making the fatigue worse. I cannot tolerate medications such as Nuvigil (caused suicidal thoughts) so I depend on my CPAP machine alone to treat my severe sleep apnea. So as you see, I am very much disabled and incapable of serving the dire needs of a busy medical practice.
Dr. Schacher rated my mood as anxious at the exam. He agreed with Theresa Masek that I have a significant anxiety disorder as evident by his examination and the records that were reviewed. He recommended further testing to determine the nature of the anxiety and if it effected my short term memory…..in fact he again recommended further neuro-cognitive testing.
Dr. Schacher during the Independent Medical Examination noted that I have a weakened left lower extremity with both motor and sensory deficits. His examination confirms weaker dorsiflexion of my left foot, weaker left quadriceps muscles, sensory deficits over the dorsum of the left foot, anterior tibial surface, and around the left thumb. He makes no statements regarding how much he thinks I can lift and he never said that I can lift and carry up to 25 pounds and push or pull up to 20 pounds. He never said I can climb stairs and stoop! In fact, he noted that sometimes use a cane for balance and has particular difficulty climbing stairs. He does mention under the historical section where he asks how far I think that I can walk, etc…..that I said I could lift a certain weight with certain hands. This is subjective and not tested nor was my ability to stoop, walk, or perform any function (He simply asked questions).
The Independent Medical Examiners comments about the video only show observation of me walking a very short distances while carrying three pounds. What the heck does that prove? I am thankfully not in a wheel chair or on a walker any longer and yes I can walk, sometimes un-aided. If I had been climbing a tree, running, or fireman carrying a heavy friend, then I would concur that I am fully neurologically intact by video evidence only. The video is so un-revealing they have to embellish about a plastic bag and a cell phone.
Dr. Schacher, at your behest, concludes that I may not even be fit for sedentary duties such as peer review unless I have neuro-cognitive testing. It is so obvious that I cannot work my own occupation that he moves to the next and lower functional level to make comments about my potential. He then concludes that I need further testing before being trusted with any cognitively challenging work.
One of the people on your list who reportedly reviewed my case was the Vocational Rehab specialist. I had two conversations with one of the female specialist last year. The first was an introductory call notifying me of the existence of the Rehab service and some of the things that they could provide and the second was a follow up call. On the first call she said, “we know you cannot return to practice, but we can come in and set up a home office and find you work that you can do at home.” The last words she spoke to me where, “It looks like you are going to be one of our long term clients.” I agreed with her as my contract states that I have to be able to make 80% of my previous earnings in order to be rendered fully able to work. She and I concurred that was not possible with my health issues.
Please look for upcoming faxes from Dr. Berard, Dr. Arant, and Theresa Masek. One week is not enough time for busy physicians to respond to a request such as the one you sent.
In conclusion, I am asking you to re-instate my benefits and to re-open my claim. I am clearly and unequivocally fully disabled and cannot work any occupation let alone my own.
Jeffery Kele Sewell, M.D., Pharm.D.