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Rehabilitation Denial

Cigna Denied Your Physical Therapy?

According to federal data, Cigna Healthcare (The Cigna Group) denies approximately 18.5% of claims. When patients appeal, about 52% are overturned. Your physical therapy denial may have grounds for a successful appeal.Sources: KFF ACA Marketplace Transparency Data, HHS OIG Reports, state insurance department filings. Rates are aggregate averages — individual results vary by plan type, denial reason, and documentation.

18.5%
Denial Rate
52%
Appeal Success
30-60 days
Typical Timeline
$2,000–$10,000
Typical Claim

Based on published government and industry research. Individual results vary based on denial type, insurer, and documentation.

Why Cigna Denies Physical Therapy

Visit limit exceeded per plan year

Maintenance therapy — no longer improving

Prior authorization expired or not renewed

Cigna's Common Denial Tactics

Mass auto-denials (300,000 claims in 2 months at 1.2 seconds each)

Requiring step therapy for medications your doctor already tried

Denying claims as "experimental" despite FDA approval

How to Win Your Physical Therapy Appeal

Objective measurement of functional progress (ROM, strength, balance scores)

Treatment plan with specific, measurable goals

Documentation that cessation would cause regression

For Medicare: cite Jimmo v. Sebelius settlement requiring maintenance coverage

Laws That Protect You

ACA §2719 — Appeal rights

Jimmo v. Sebelius (Medicare) — Maintenance therapy coverage

State mandated minimums for PT visits

Tips for Appealing to Cigna

Reference the ProPublica investigation into automated denials

Gather evidence of prior failed treatments to counter step therapy requirements

Obtain peer-reviewed studies supporting FDA-approved treatments

Ready to Review Your Physical Therapy Denial?

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This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. Statistics cited are from publicly available sources including KFF, HHS OIG, and state insurance department data. Individual results may vary. Consult a qualified professional before taking action on your specific situation.

Cigna Denied Your Physical Therapy? Here's How to Appeal | Lysco