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While
insurance coverage for weight loss surgery is widespread, it often
requires a special approval process. The best chance for obtaining
approval for insurance coverage comes from working together with
your surgeon and other experts.
The following are several important steps you should take to
obtain insurance coverage for weight loss surgery:
- Read and understand the "certificate of coverage"
that your insurance company is required by law to give you.
If you do not have one, consult your company's benefits administrator
or ask your insurance company directly.
- Before visiting the bariatric surgeon, organize your medical
records, including your history of dieting efforts.
- Document every visit you have made to a health care professional
(including your primary care physician) for obesity-related
issues or visits to supervised weight loss programs.
- If Dr. Oria recommends weight loss surgery, he will prepare
a letter to obtain pre-authorization from your insurance company.
The goal of this letter is to establish the "medical necessity"
of weight loss surgery and gain approval for the procedure.
Having been involved in this surgery for two decades, Dr. Oria's
office staff is very familiar with the insurance process, including
which companies typically cover this procedure. Ask for details
during your initial visit.
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If
you do not qualify for insurance coverage, other options exist,
including:
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
- Bank drafts
- Loans
Ask Dr. Oria's office for assistance.
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