Cignamedicare

I am with Cigna Healthspring, a Cigna Medicare Advantage program offered by Cigna. I have recently developed severely swollen lymph nodes. My primary Cigna physician ordered a CAT scan thru a network hospital. I waited 2 weeks for the appointment before being told that the procedure was being disallowed by Cigna. Their reasoning: there was nothing to indicate that I can cancer. Of course the CAT scan was ordered in the first place to see if I had a tumor or mass in my pelvis, chest, or head that was causing the lymph nodes to swell. I was referred to a Cigna network Oncologist who then examined me and ordered a CAT scan and an ultrasound. Again, Cigna disallowed these diagnostic tests that were ordered by an Oncologist that is part of their network. Their reasoning: until there is a diagnosis of cancer, they will not authorize the tests. In my opinion the REAL reason is that they are looking for reasons, in line with accepted medical practices OR NOT, to disallow diagnostic treatment that is costly to them. So, before you purchase a Cigna Medicare Advantage Plan, be advised that Cigna apparently engages in deceptive trade practices and does not follow normal medical protocol. In my case, I will not be able to secure diagnostic tests unless or until I am diagnosed with cancer, a diagnosis that will have to be made without benefit of CAT or ultrasound imaging because Cigna does not want to incur that expense. I recommend that if you are looking for a Medicare Advantage Plan that you do NOT consider purchasing one offered by Cigna.