The Bariatric Surgery Program

Required Information for Insurance Companies

Because bariatric surgery is viewed by the medical community and the insurance companies as a procedure of “last resort”, stringent standards have been put in place to ensure that patients who choose these procedures have attempted and failed other methods of weight loss.  To meet these standards, we ask that you provide the following information to us, so that we can provide it to your insurance company to get authorization for your upcoming surgery.

• A copy of your insurance card
• Letter of medical necessity from your primary physician outlining any history of weight management as well as significant health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and weight bearing joint problems, etc.
• Documentation of one or more supervised non-surgical weight loss attempts for 6-12 consecutive months within the last year.  They can be from one of the following:
  • Weight reduction program such as Weight Watchers or a Registered Dietitian
  • A physician monitored medication program
  • Monthly visits with your primary care physician where diet is mentioned and weights are monitored
• Documentation of your initial psychological and dietary consultation
• Results from all required testing

Surgical Authorization

Surgical authorization will only be obtained after ALL required information has been obtained in the outline above.  This authorization is usually obtained within 4-6 weeks before your scheduled surgery date.

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