Weight Loss Surgery

Public opinion about weight loss surgery is somewhat of an extreme nature. It is widely looked upon as the final resort for those who are desperately trying to lose weight by conventional means, such as dieting and exercising, but are not getting the desired results. This is, however, far from true. Recent advancements in medicine and surgery have made weight loss surgery not only safer but more affordable. Today, an increasing number of people are opting for weight loss as the very first, and only step, in their weight management efforts. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB), or Gastric Banding Surgery has surprised the entire world with its results.Both men and women are using it to reduce and control obesity. Gastric Banding Surgery is now begininng to be acknowleged as a legitamite weapon to combat obesity and weight problems. If you are considering weight-loss surgery, you may have spent some time wondering if your insurance will cover the procedure. Generally speaking, most insurance companies have come to understand the importance of fighting obesity.

Conditions for Coverage

Before your insurance provider will approve you for coverage, they will need to verify that you meet the requirements to pursue weight-loss surgery. a document known as a Letter of Medical Necessity. Physicians are very familiar with the requirements of insurance companies in determining coverage for weight-loss surgery. In this letter, the following information is usually included:

Why weight-loss surgery is medically necessary : This section covers information about how obesity directly impacts your overall health or documentation of secondary health conditions that have been impacted by your weight

Number of years you have been overweight: In nearly all cases, insurance providers and weight-loss surgeons will look for patients that have been overweight for at least five years.

Body weight or body mass index (BMI): Candidates for weight-loss surgery should be at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight, or have a BMI of at least 40. In some cases, patients with a BMI of 35 who have at least one health condition related to obesity can be candidates for weight-loss surgery.

Obesity-related medical problems: It is important to document the presence of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or hypertension as secondary medical concerns.

Failed weight-loss attempts: It is important that you provide as much information as possible about all failed weight loss attempts. This documentation should include an outline of your diet and exercise efforts as demonstration of your longstanding commitment to weight loss, regardless of the results.

When communicating with your insurance provider, try to be as specific as possible in describing your condition. As obesity and morbid obesity are classified as two distinct medical conditions, you want to make sure that your insurance provider understands your correct obesity classification when evaluating your claim.

Weight Loss | Sitemap | Contact Us