LAP-BAND surgery is approved for individuals who are severely obese.
Laparoscopic gastric banding is a surgical procedure developed by Allergan to assist with weight loss. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the agency approved the LAP-BAND procedure in 2001 as the first adjustable, surgically implanted device used to help people lose weight. The silicone band fits around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch that holds a small amount of food. The smaller pouch fills up faster than a normal stomach, resulting in a feeling of fullness and decreased appetite. You can find resources to help finance your operation if you are considering LAP-BAND surgery.
Instructions
1. Schedule an appointment with a certified gastric surgeon approved to perform LAP-BAND surgery. Give the gastric specialist a copy of your medical file, a list of your current medications and a thorough family medical history. Request a Letter of Medical Necessity to provide documentation that supports your need for weight-loss surgery to improve your health.
2. Obtain a written list of the expenses for LAP-BAND surgery from the facility where you plan to have the procedure. Many gastric surgery centers have a financial adviser available to help with this step. Ask the adviser for a list of LAP-BAND financing companies the center has an agreement with that may be available to you.
3. Check your health insurance policy to see if it covers weight-loss or bariatric surgery. Look carefully under each section for key words such as weight control, bariatric surgery or obesity reduction. If you do not have a copy of your medical insurance benefits, contact the human resources department where you are employed to request a copy.
4. Contact your local Medicare or Medicaid office if you have this kind of federal insurance. According to the LAP-BAND AP System website, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a National Coverage Determination to include bariatric surgery and the LAP-BAND procedure when performed by approved surgeons at a bariatric "Center of Excellence" facility. You can visit the CMS website for a list of physicians and facilities awarded with "Center of Excellence" status and approved to perform LAP-BAND surgeries.
5. Provide your insurance company with any pre-authorization information they may require for LAP-BAND surgery coverage. Most insurance companies require pre-authorization forms for weight-loss procedures, such as a Letter of Medical Necessity, copies of your medical folder and a list of any weight-related medical conditions for which you are being treated. If you are approved for LAP-BAND surgery, contact the gastric surgeon you have chosen and request an appointment to begin preparation for the surgery.
6. Contact your bank to see if they offer flexible spending accounts for medical services. Many banks offer high-interest savings accounts to provide funds for medical expenses. Deposit money into this account until you have a sizable contribution toward your surgery then contact your LAP-BAND surgeon to negotiate a decrease in cost due to self-payment status or payment in cash.
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