This program has four phases. We cannot discuss or estimate a surgery date with you until you have successfully completed everything in the program and are cleared for surgery in all aspects.
Step 1: Attend Mandatory Informational Seminar
Step 2: Appointment With Our Physician
• After you have attended our informational session, our physician will conduct a one-on-one consultation to answer any questions you may have.
• You will be physically examined.
• This appointment will last approximately one hour.
• Further testing will be determined by our physician.
Step 3: Evaluations & Collection of Required Information
Psychological Evaluation
• Performed to determine your appropriateness for surgery.
• Complete MMPI- II test - one of the most frequently used personality tests in mental health
• Must include documentation in report that your psychiatric profile is such that you are able to understand, tolerate and comply with all phases of care and are committed to long-term follow-up care; your post-operative expectations have been addressed.
• Insurance may not cover Psychological Evaluation. (You are not required to see our psychologist, but make sure the psychologist you choose is familiar with evaluation for bariatric surgery).
Diet Evaluation
• Review pre-operative guidelines.
• Review post-operative guidelines (clear liquids, pureed, soft and regular).
• Protein supplements.
• Medicines and vitamins.
• You will need a 3-month follow-up with a dietitian.
TSH Levels
• Thyroid blood tests to be performed by your Primary Care Physician.
• Must be within 6 months of insurance approval.
Letter of Medical Clearance
• This will come from your primary care physician.
• It will need to state your height, weight, BMI and your clearance for surgery.
Pulmonary Consultation
• To determine if you have sleep apnea or any other respiratory disease.
• To determine if you need a breathing machine before surgery.
Physician Supervised Diet Documentation (if required by your insurance provider)
• Must be office notes or other documentation from a qualified professional to supervise a diet.
• A summary letter is not sufficient and cannot be accepted.
• Should adhere to guidelines provided by insurance company.
Referral (if required by insurance provider)
• This is required of all patients who have an HMO or POS contract with their insurance company.
Step 4: Insurance Approval
Benefits & Eligibility
• We verify that you have benefits for office visits, as well as obtain information on your co-pays and deductibles.
Predetermination
• A letter of predetermination is submitted to the insurance company for approval.
• Typical response time frame from the insurance company is 1 to 6 weeks.
Step 5: Scheduling Surgery
Once approval is received:
Upper GI Series and Abdominal X-Ray
• These tests are performed after we receive insurance approval. Normally they are done the same day you see the surgeon to sign your consent.
Appointment to Sign Consent:
• At this visit you will speak with the surgeon and review and sign consent. You surgery date will be given to you in 3 business days after this appointment. |