Insurance and Payment Options
Morbid Obesity Is a Disease With Life-Threatening Implications
This is one reason many insurance companies provide some coverage for individuals who opt for weight loss surgery. Patients considering bariatric surgery in the Dallas and Tarrant County region can take comfort in the fact that the office of Barnes Bariatric will help them through the process of obtaining insurance authorization to maximize benefits to assist in the cost of weight loss surgery. We also offers a number of financing options to help patients manage the price of surgery.
Insurance for Bariatric Surgery
Although every patient’s situation varies, there are a variety of insurance companies that make weight loss surgery coverage available. In fact, some states require that insurance companies provide benefits to patients who meet certain criteria suggested by the National Institute of Health.
If you are considering bariatric surgery and would like to apply for insurance coverage for procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, LAP-BAND® System surgery, or gastric sleeve surgery, be sure to read your certificate of coverage thoroughly to find out exactly what is covered and what is required for submission for approval. You should also have a detailed discussion with Dr. Barnes to obtain an obesity surgery referral from him, if appropriate. This will be necessary in presenting your application to your insurance company. Save all receipts and records from medical treatments as well as any documentation from fitness and diet centers and weight loss programs. Even if these visits occurred several years ago.
Medical Necessity
One of the first questions your insurance company will ask Dr. Barnes is whether your surgery is a medical necessity. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, and/or with some insurance policies, you have been morbidly obese for at least five years, surgical weight loss options may be considered a medical necessity. However, the final determination is the decision of your insurance company. Co-morbidities such as Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, and other complications brought on by obesity may also qualify your surgery as a medical necessity. Dr. Barnes and his knowledgeable staff will discuss all aspects of what can qualify your surgery as a medical necessity at your initial consultation.
Financing Options
There are many available options to bring bariatric surgery within your budget. Barnes Bariatric works with a finance company that can help offset the costs of surgery with low-interest monthly payment plans. One of our team members will be happy to assist you in the application process and help you find a payment plan that will make your weight loss treatment more affordable.
We accept all major insurance providers.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but we do NOT accept Medicaid at this time.