Major Commercial Payor

Cigna Provider Guide

Complete credentialing, billing, authorization, and denial management guide for Cigna

Avg. Credentialing

90-120 Days

Timely Filing

365 Days

Appeal Window

365 Days

Portal

myCigna

Credentialing & Enrollment

Getting Started with Cigna Credentialing

Application Process

  1. Complete CAQH profile with current information
  2. Submit credentialing application via Cigna provider portal
  3. Provide all required documentation and attestations
  4. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
  5. Await committee approval (typically 90-120 days)

Cigna-Specific Tips

Cigna typically processes credentialing within 90-120 days. Keep your CAQH profile updated to within 120 days to avoid delays. Cigna requires malpractice coverage of at least $1M/$3M.

Prior Authorization

Services Requiring Prior Auth

  • • Inpatient admissions
  • • Advanced imaging (MRI, CT, PET)
  • • Outpatient surgical procedures
  • • DME over certain thresholds
  • • Home health services
  • • Behavioral health services (varies by plan)
  • • Physical/occupational therapy (varies)

How to Submit

Online Portal

myCigna for Providers (fastest)

Phone

1-800-88-CIGNA (882-4462)

Fax

1-877-815-5592

Turnaround Time

Standard: 2-5 business days

Common Denials & How to Fix Them

CO-18: Duplicate claim/service
High Frequency

Why This Happens

Claim appears to be a duplicate of a previously processed claim

How to Fix It

Verify whether previous claim was paid. If not, resubmit with corrected claim. If it was paid and this is a separate service, add modifier 76 or 77 and documentation explaining why service was repeated.

CO-96: Non-covered charges
Common

Why This Happens

Service not covered under patient's specific plan benefits

How to Fix It

Review patient's benefit plan. If service should be covered, submit appeal with plan documents and medical necessity. Patient may be responsible if truly non-covered.

Important Contacts

Provider Services

General Provider Line

1-800-88-CIGNA (882-4462)

Prior Authorization

1-800-88-CIGNA (882-4462)

Claims Status

1-800-882-4462

Credentialing

1-877-264-2440

Online Resources

Provider Portal

myCigna for Providers

Clinical Policies

Coverage Policy Library

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