Bariatrics Program 1. Is Morbid Obesity a covered benefit in your policy? Give them the ICD9 Code of 278.01. If it is a covered benefit, check that the operative procedure you are considering is also covered. For the Roux-en-Y procedure give them the CPT Code of 43846 or 43644 and for the Lap-Band procedure give them the CPT Code of: 43770 (many insurance companies do not approve the Lap-Band procedure so check thoroughly with your insurance company). Finally ask if Shands at the University of Florida is an approved facility under your insurance provider. Shands hospital uses the tax I.D. of 591943502, giving this number to your insurance company may facilitate a faster response in your query. 2. If your policy does not cover the diagnosis of morbid obesity or the operative procedure itself, you still have a few options: * You could obtain another insurance carrier, but you need to make sure that the new policy covers morbid obesity and the surgical procedure before making this decision. * You can continue to participate in alternate medical programs designed to lose and maintain weight loss. * In selected cases we will consider performing the surgery if you elect to self-pay. There is a considerable deposit required by the Hospital and you must fully understand all risks of the financial burden. We will review this major decision with you extensively and will help in any way we can. Path to Surgery Even if surgery for obesity is a covered benefit, to qualify you must:
The path to surgery typically spans a 2 to 4 month period AFTER your first clinic visit. Each individual is carefully evaluated for any and every related medical condition. This often requires special studies and occasionally consultations from accredited medical specialists. Only after we are completely satisfied that weight loss surgery is right for you and that both you and the Bariatric team are fully aware of associated risks will we proceed with the scheduling of surgery. Clinic Visit Please obtain the following items to bring with you at your first clinic appointment:
Psychological Interview:
As part of the evaluation for weight loss surgery, you will need to be evaluated by our Psychiatry Department (352-265-7041). They often times will discuss behavioral and life-style issues that can have an impact on your adjustment to life before and after the surgery. At the conclusion of their assessment, you will be provided feedback and given specific suggestions that may assist you both before and after bariatric surgery. Nutritional Evaluation: You will be required to meet with our registered dietician, Sherri Findley R.D. to assess your current eating and exercise habits. She will discuss and recommended dietary changes to prepare you for surgery, while you are in the hospital, and once you are discharged. Laboratory Studies: As part of the medical evaluation, you will need to complete several studies. The necessary studies include:
In addition, if you have had any of the following studies or procedures, please bring copies or the original reports to your initial appointment:
After we review the above studies or procedure notes, we will determine if any special consultations are necessary, such as a cardiac or pulmonary consultation or sleep apnea test. If so, arrangements will be made for them to be conducted. What's Next: After all the above tests and examinations are performed, and if they are satisfactory, your chart will be given a final review by our bariatric surgeons. If they approve your application, our office will submit the accumulated medical information to your insurance company for their review and final authorization for surgery.
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