Is Cigna's Medical Director John M. Mendez Licensed to practice medicine?
During the pendency of an ERISA disability administrative appeal with Cigna disability insurance company our disability lawyers requested the resume of the in-house medical doctor at Cigna. The resume was requested in order to verify the qualifications and experience of the physician that was hired by Cigna. After more than 30 days of waiting for a response, Cigna provided an extremely generic resume for Dr. John M. Mendez which failed to provide either any dates or even state if Dr. Mendez has a valid medical license. The resume provided by Cigna provided the following information:
Dr. Mendez is believed to be the Medical Director for Cigna Disability division. How could Cigna send this resume out to a claimant and expect it to have any reasonable application. There is no way to use this resume in order to verify the qualification and experience of Dr. Mendez. A search of the Texas Medical Board website did not have any listing for a Dr. John M. Mendez, yet the resume provided by CIGNA reveals a Plano, Texas office address for Dr. Mendez. How is it that Cigna could possibly rely on the medical opinion of a doctor that appears to not be licensed to practice medicine in the State of Texas where his office is allegedly located? If Dr. Mendez is truly the Medical Director for Cigna, one would expect that they would select someone with a valid medical license and appropriate qualifications. The short and non-informative resume of Dr. Mendez is consistent with the short and often incomplete medical file reviews our lawyers have seen completed by Dr. Mendez.
A request has been made to Cigna for more detailed information about Dr. Mendez and his qualifications. Our law firm has seen numerous files that have been reviewed by Dr. Mendez since 2009 and it is unknown how long or how many files Dr. Mendez has been asked to review for Cigna. Any individual with a Cigna disability Claim should feel free to post their comments below about any interaction that have had with a disability claim reviewed by Dr. Mendez. Most Cigna disability claimants will have no interaction with Dr. Mendez unless their long term disability claim has been denied and you have requested a copy of your claim file.
Our disability lawyers have helped hundreds of Cigna disability insurance claimants and are available to answer questions related to a Cigna disability insurance claim or denial.
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Cigna Reviews
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Mutual of Omaha
90 days and still waiting
I filed for benefits in July, 2024 with an effective date of 7/30 (after the 14 day wait) and today is October 18th and my claim is still pending. They either don't want t... read more >
New York Life
NY Life Short Term Disability Team is Terrible
I am a physician and was in a high velocity rear impact car accident. The person slammed into my stopped car going almost 50mph. Was not physically or cognitively able to ... read more >
Sedgwick
Sedgwick will use the false need for discovery to deny your claim
Sedgwick will use the false need for discovery to deny your claim for as long as possible to wear you down because you are out of work and need the money.Lie, cheat and ... read more >
Unum
Unum does not act as a fiduciary
I received paycheck from 2 sources at work. I was approved for LTD by Metlife within 40 days, no questions asked. I was approved by NWM which was my private own occupation... read more >
Unum
UNUM denied my LTD claim after 6 months although my health continues to decline
An attorney is needed to monitor an open, ongoing claim. I naively thought payments would continue. Review of medical records by a disability attorney before submission to... read more >
MetLife
Horrible STD Service. Run !!!!
For the first time since I can remember my employer did not offer STD as one of my paid benefits so I’m paying for this policy. Had to file a claim on 6-14-25. Went thro... read more >
Reliance Standard
Reliance Standard cut off LTD suddenly claiming I could do sedentary work after 10 plus years… no paperwork sent to appeal
I’ve been on STD then LTD with Reliance since 1/2015. They sent a medical review in December 2024 to my old address which of course I never got the paperwork for. I emai... read more >
Sedgwick
Denial for benefits, Sedgwick is the worst
I was not paid for 7 months on STD. My appeal was finally approved, but in the meantime I lost company match on my 401k, and then they canceled my company insurance. Out o... read more >
Answered Questions by Our Lawyers
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Q: I filed an appeal and lost. Is it worth pursuing?
A: Kim, in my opinion, yes. If you are still within your timeframe to file a lawsuit you have little to lose in t... Read More >
Q: Do I have a case for STD? I was denied twice because a) I hadn't been a fulltime employee for 6 months and b) I had ben on FMLA since Febury.
A: Frank, we would need to see a copy of the denial letter and the policy. Please feel free to contact our office... Read More >
Q: How can I appeal Cigna's decision if there are no written communications explanation the reasons for claim termination?
A: Tret, Cigna will be required by law to provide you with a written denial letter setting forth its reason for t... Read More >
Q: Is there a process for appeals not being responded to in the time given? Also, how do I access my records?
A: SB, ERISA provides 45 days to render a decision on appeal with the possibility of a 45 day extension- basicall... Read More >
Q: Is it worth is to go to court over $2500?
A: Mark, If you have no additional appeals your only option would be to find representation to file a federal law... Read More >
Q: How long will it take Cigna to get back to me? Will my military retiree pay be held against my policy 60%? Will Cigna exploit the disparity in the medical community over my illness?
A: Craig, Unfortunately it can sometime take up to 45 days to receive a decision from Cigna as to your entitlemen... Read More >
Q: Do I have any options to void an agreement I signed? Can Signa offset my SSDI benefits?
A: Donna, I do not know if you would have any avenues to void the agreement you signed. Regardless of agreeing th... Read More >
Q: Can I sue Cigna even if they do end up paying me?
A: Linda, If your policy is governed by ERISA you will need to go through the administrative appeal process prior... Read More >
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