The process leading up to bariatric surgery varies depending on each person’s medical history and insurance requirements, but generally takes about 6 months. This includes individual appointments with the bariatric surgeon, dietitian, and behavioral health specialist.
As a first step, all patients are required to view a video on our website. The video provides a more detailed overview of the surgical process as well as risks and benefits of weight loss surgery. After the video, patients will be prompted to answer some questions about their health and to provide their insurance information. We will then contact your insurance provider, as every insurance plan has slightly different requirements for bariatric surgery coverage.
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Once we have reviewed your information and are able to verify your insurance, a team member will contact you to set up an appointment for an evaluation. You will be required to watch the informational video above in order to proceed to the next step.
During your first appointment, Dr. Thompson will review your medical history, discuss surgical weight loss options and process in more detail, and answer any questions that you may have. You will also receive a checklist of individual requirements at this appointment. This checklist may include things like meeting with a cardiologist or completing a sleep study, for example.
Most insurance plans require that your BMI be 35 or higher. However, if your BMI is between 30 – 35, some insurance providers will also provide coverage if you have type 2 diabetes.
For commercial insurance policies; Contact the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask whether or not you have coverage for bariatric surgery (some insurances refer to this as surgical treatment for obesity) and if so, where you can find your medical policy outlining the requirements for coverage.
For Medicare and Medicaid; Both Medicare and Medicaid provide benefits for weight loss surgery as long as certain criteria are met. There is no need to contact Medicare and Medicaid directly.
This means that your particular plan does not provide coverage for weight loss surgery, even if your doctor thinks the surgery is medically necessary. If you get your insurance through your employer, this generally means that your employer did not purchase coverage for bariatric surgery.
We do offer bariatric surgery for patients who would like to pay out-of-pocket. Please contact us directly for a quote.
Ellen Plaia, RD
Bariatric Program Coordinator
Ellen.Plaia@mywvmc.com
503.434.6060