Insurance
Information
 We
understand that the insurance process can be a difficult and
confusing one, but we are here to help you through it. By
following the instructions below and immediately beginning
any follow-up that is required with your primary care provider
(PCP), you can help us get you to surgery more quickly and
smoothly.
FIRST: Inside your packet you will find
an insurance verification form. Please call your insurance
company and go through the form with them carefully to verify
that you have the benefit for weight-loss surgery.
SECOND: In order for us to get you approved
for the surgery, we will need the following documents. Please
note, you do not have to obtain these documents prior to
seeing the doctor, but if you do have them, it will allow
us to schedule your surgery more quickly.
- A letter of support from your PCP stating your health
problems, your diet history, and your attempts at
medically supervised weight loss.
- A clearance letter or form from a psychiatrist
or psychologist stating that you understand the impact
of the surgery and that you are mentally able to handle
this.
THIRD: Certain insurance companies are
now requiring patients to see their PCPs for consecutive
monthly follow-up in reference to weight loss or weight-related
health problems prior to authorizing the surgery. If your
primary insurance requires this, you can start seeing your
PCP even before you see the surgeon. These companies include:
Blue Cross/ Blue shield of Maryland, Aetna, Cigna, Alliance,
Priority Partners. If you have consecutive monthly documentation
completed within the last 2 years, this may be sufficient,
but remember, the PCP’s notes MUST indicate that you
are there for a weight-related problem. This will be addressed
further by your surgeon when you come for your first visit.
The following insurance companies do NOT require this documentation:
Medicare, Federal Blue Cross/ Blue shield, United Health Care,
Mamsi (certain conditions apply), and Lifebridge. This may,
unfortunately, change at any time based on the decisions of
the individual insurance company.
Again, we know that this can be a tedious process. If you
have insurance from out of state or you do not see your insurance
listed above, please speak with us at a seminar, speak with
your surgeon at your first visit, or call our office if you
have any questions.
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