Gastric Bypass Information
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Gastric Bypass - Is it Worth the Cost?
Gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, and lap bands are becoming more
and more popular. Unfortunately insurance companies have begun denying
coverage for bariatric surgeries.
These surgeries costs $25,000 on average. Desperate patients willing
to do almost anything to lose weight have started financing their surgeries.
What remains to be answered is - Is it worth it?
Many insurance companies have decided not to cover gastric bypass surgery,
mini gastric bypass or lap band procedures. They have based their decisions
on previous year's complication data. They state that the surgery itself
and the cost of covering side effects and complications cost them millions
that they cannot afford. Bariatric surgery has improved dramatically
in the past few years. It has become safer and more successful.
Lots of times, if your surgery is denied, your doctor or doctor's billing
department can find ways around the denial. A simple letter from your
doctor explaining what the risks to your health are can effectively
get your surgery covered. Appeal letters to the insurance company with
additional information included also can sometimes reverse the insurance
provider's decision.
Doctors have been able to get around the insurance companies stipulations
and denials until recently. The insurance companies have started putting
in an exclusion clause that states they will not cover bariatric surgeries
and unfortunately there is no loop hole to bypass that. They don't realize
that the amount of money they will pay for health issues related to
obesity will outweigh any costs of surgery and post-surgical care.
If you want to have the gastric bypass surgery and your insurance doesn't
cover it, you may want to look into your spouses insurance plan or other
insurance altogether. Before switching companies, be sure the other
insurance doesn't have the exclusion to bariatric bypass surgery written
into it also.
Uninsured patients have taken matters into their own hands. They have
charged their surgeries on credit cards, refinanced their homes, and
have even taken out loans to cover the cost so they can lose the excess
weight and become healthier. They state it is well worth the cost to
once again play with their children and be rid of health problems such
as aches and pains, diabetes, or high blood pressure. They say their
self esteem has improved and for the first time in years they feel good
about themselves.
Gastric bypass surgery has improved the lives of thousands of people.
Recently insurance companies have started denying coverage for those
who choose gastric bypass as an intervention. Insurance companies are
relying on old information to dictate what procedures they will cover.
If this is the case with you, there are other ways to pay for gastric
bypass or other bariatric procedures. Loans, refinancing a home or charging
are just some ways bariatric surgery can be paid for.
More Articles About the Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery:
Note: The information given here should
not be taken as medical advice. Be sure to talk to your doctor
about any concerns you may have about gastric bypass surgery.
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