Weight loss surgery does not come cheap and can cost an average of $25,000. However, it is worth the money paid because this type of surgery can greatly improve the patient’s health and quality of life. Nevertheless, people would still want to know all they can about weight loss surgery costs in order to prepare their finances before the treatment takes place. Bariatric weight loss surgery typically costs $17,000 to $35,000 but the actual cost will depend on many factors and will differ from one patient to the next.
Ask for the Overall Price
In order to get a good idea of the cost of weight loss surgery, you have to talk to a bariatric surgeon and ask for the total cost of the procedure from start to finish. Your surgeon will let you know about the different bariatric surgery options available, and will recommend a procedure that is suited to your health and weight conditions. From there, the surgeon should be able to give you a good idea of how much it will cost to have a weight loss surgery.
Be sure to ask whether the quoted price includes consultations before the surgery and follow-up visits after the surgery. Bariatric programs differ, so it’s important to know what services are included in the quoted price.
You will also want to know what costs will be billed by the hospital, and what costs will be for the doctor’s office.
Paying for Weight Loss Surgery
Once you have a good idea of the cost of weight loss surgery, the next step is to determine whether your health insurance company will cover the procedure. Some insurance companies do not cover bariatric surgery, or if they do, the amount of coverage may differ from one company to another.
If the cost of weight loss surgery is not covered by your health insurance in part or in full, you can inquire if the doctor’s office or hospital is willing to accept monthly installments. Most medical facilities require payment upfront, but it won’t hurt to ask. The doctor’s office may be able to put you in touch with patient financing companies where you can get a medical loan to finance your weight loss surgery.
Insurance Coverage of Weight Loss Surgery
Your health insurance provider may agree to cover the cost of bariatric surgery if your doctor is able to establish that the procedure is a medical necessity and if you meet the requirements set by the National Institute of Health, which recommends weight loss surgery for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 40.
Cases of chronic morbid obesity (BMI above 40) can be covered by insurance, as long as your doctor can certify to the insurance provider that the surgery is a medical necessity. Appropriate documentation is required, including records of your attempts to lose weight using conventional methods, which must be supervised by a doctor.
The insurance company may also be more willing to cover the cost of weight loss surgery if you suffer from obesity-related disorders like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
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