Monday, March 25, 2024

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery

Don't Miss

Patient Community & Expert Advice

Medicare Stomach Care | Will it Cover Your Bariatric Surgery?
  • You can read about other patients experiences getting weight loss surgery covered by Medicare
  • You can ask the expert

We would love to hear your experiences with medicare and bariatric surgery. Your insights are invaluable to making sure other people have the tools to meet their goals.

We would also be happy to answer any questions you may have about medicare and bariatric surgery.

Please use the form below to share your experience or ask a question.

Sleeve Gastrectomy With Single Anastomosis Duodeno

Zaveri et al noted that the increase in the prevalence of obesity and gastro-esophageal reflux disease has paralleled one another. Laparoscopic fundoplication is a minimally invasive form of anti-reflux surgery. The duodenal switch is a highly effective weight loss surgery with a proven record of long-term weight loss success. However, fundoplication alone does not give satisfactory results when used for GERD in morbidly obese patients. These researchers presented a novel approach combining stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery with LF for morbidly obese patients with GERD. The data from patients who underwent the SIPS procedure along with LF in past year was retrospectively analyzed. The variables collected were age, sex, height, weight, intra-operative and post-operative complications, length of stay, operative time, and estimated blood loss. All revisions were excluded. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. The total sample size of the study was 5 patients, with a mean age of 59.6 ± 16.4 years, a mean weight of 292.1 ± 73.6 lbs., and a mean body mass index of 43.4 ± 6.3. Weight loss patterns were the same as those without LF. All 5 patients had resolution or improvement in their GERD symptoms within 6 months. The authors concluded that SIPS with LF provided substantial and sustained weight loss and GERD resolution. however, long-term follow-ups and further study on this novel surgical technique is recommended.

Biliopancreatic Diversion And Duodenal Switch Procedures

While appropriate surgical procedures for severe obesity primarily produce weight loss by restricting intake, intestinal bypass procedures produce weight loss by inducing a malabsorptive effect. Biliopancreatic bypass or diversion consists of a subtotal gastrectomy and diversion of the biliopancreatic juices into the distal ileum by a long Roux-en-Y procedure the result is a 200-cm long alimentary tract, a 300- to 400-cm biliary tract, and after these 2 tracts are joined at the distal anastomosis, there is a 50-cm common absorptive alimentary tract. The BPD was designed to address some of the drawbacks of the original intestinal bypass procedures, which resulted in unacceptable metabolic complications of diarrhea, hyperoxaluria, nephrolithiasis, cholelithiasis and liver failure.

A decision memorandum from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services concluded that open or laparoscopic BPD with or without DS are reasonable and necessary for Medicare beneficiaries.

Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Urgent Care Centers

When Does Medicare Cover Gastric Bypass Surgery

Medicare covers bariatric surgery as long as your doctor considers it medically necessary for you. Generally, this means that they feel the procedure will provide health benefits beyond traditional treatments and is a better option than just continuing to treat with diet and exercise alone. However, there are some exceptions: Medicare wont cover surgeries if your doctor decides that doing so would be too risky or potentially dangerous in light of other medical conditions you have at the time.

The criteria can also change over time for example, certain gastric bypasses require patients to stay overnight after leaving the hospital, but newer procedures allow them to go home on the same day instead. If youre considering joining one of these programs, make sure that you find out from your insurance company if they cover the cost of home surgery.

Does Medicare Cover Weight Loss Revision Surgery

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery in 2019?

Yes. Previous weight loss surgery may fail, and you may need a revision. Requesting a weight loss revision surgery may initiate many questions at first. Make sure to be open and transparent with your doctor to ensure you both agree with your condition.

After your doctor recommends surgery, Medicare pays for weight loss revision surgery when its medically necessary.

Recommended Reading: Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered By Medicare

Does Medicare Cover Weight Loss Surgery

When Congress designed Original Medicare back in the sixties, health insurance coverage in America was different than it is now. Our legislators broke Medicare into two parts: hospital and outpatient coverage. Medicares guidelines for covering almost any procedure center around whether the procedure is medically necessary.

Today in America, weight loss surgery is often considered medically necessary to combat obesity. Bariatric surgery helps to reduce the overall size of your stomach so that you feel full earlier and eat less food. Medicare offers coverage for several weight loss procedures.

Medicare will cover some or all of the following procedures: gastric bypass, lap band surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch. It will not, however, cover any procedure which it considers experimental.

Estimating The Cost Of Getting Bariatric Surgery

Its hard to know exactly how much your weight loss surgery may cost because its difficult to determine what services you may need during and after your procedure. If you are at an inpatient hospital, then Medicare Part A will help cover costs. If your weight loss surgery is performed at an outpatient center, then Medicare Part B will assist with these costs.

Since Original Medicare doesnt cover the entire cost of the surgery, you can also consider buying a Medicare Supplement plan to help offset any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur, such as some of the deductibles, copayments or coinsurance.

Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, but many offer additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage and an annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Recommended Reading: Does Medicare Cover One Touch Test Strips

Lets Take A Closer Look At The Different Types Of Bariatric Surgery

Some of the common types of Medicare bariatric surgeries include gastric bypass, lap band surgery and gastric sleeve surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery

This common malabsorptive weight loss surgery is also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass . In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. The rest of the stomach is bypassed via a Y-shaped segment of the small intestine, which reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.

LAP-BAND® surgery

This surgery is defined as Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding . This common weight loss procedure involves the placement of a hollow band around the upper end of the stomach, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is inflated with saline solution, which can be increased or decreased over time to alter the size of the passage.

Gastric sleeve surgery

This weight loss surgery is also commonly known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy or sleeve gastrectomy . This procedure involves the removal of the greater curvature of the stomach and approximately 80% of the stomach volume. While pyloric sphincter and stomach functions are preserved, the remaining stomach resembles a slender curved tube.

Gastrointestinal Liners For The Treatment Of Obesity

Does Medicare cover bariatric surgery?

Endoscopic duodenal-jejunal bypass is the endoscopic placement of a duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve which lines the first section of the small intestine causing food to be absorbed further along the intestine. Once implanted, the device is purported to influence gastrointestinal hormones and satiety. It is suggested to promote weight loss in individuals who are potential candidates for bariatric surgery, but are too heavy to safely undergo the procedure.

An UpToDate review on “Bariatric surgical operations for the management of severe obesity: Descriptions” lists “Endoscopic gastrointestinal bypass devices” as investigational. It states that “Endoscopic gastrointestinal bypass devices A barrier device is deployed to prevent luminal contents from being absorbed in the proximal small intestine. The EndoBarrier is 60-cm long and it extends from the proximal duodenum to the mid-jejunum and thus mimics a duodenojejunal bypass. It is a safe procedure but is hallmarked by an up to 20 % rate of early removal due to patient intolerance. The ValenTx is a 120-cm barrier device that extends from the gastroesophageal junction to the jejunum. This too has a high rate of early removal, but excess weight loss at 3 months was reported to be 40 %, and significant improvement was seen in 7 out of 7 diabetic patients within those 3 months. Data are still lacking about the longevity of these endobarriers and their outcomes once the barrier is removed”.

  • study personnel were not blinded, and
  • Recommended Reading: Will Medicare Cover Walk In Tubs

    Medicare Covers Gastric Sleeve Surgery And More

    The following types of bariatric surgeries may be covered by Medicare:

    • Gastric Bypass
    • Lap Band or Realize Band
    • Duodenal Switch
    • Sleeve Gastrectomy

    In addition to the procedure itself, Medicare can cover lab tests, medications, durable medical equipment, hospital room and board as well as post-operative checkups.

    Medicare Part A Costs

    Your out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part A may include monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Most people get premium-free Part A, because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for the required 10 years to qualify. Around 1 percent, though, pay the Medicare Part A premium, which is $499 per month in 2022.

    The Medicare Part A deductible is $1,566 per benefit period, which begins when you’re admitted as an inpatient and ends once you go 60 consecutive days without receiving inpatient care.

    Finally, coinsurance under Part A is $0 per day for the first 60 days. After that, you’ll pay $389 per day for days 61 through 90 and $778 per day for days 91 through your 60 lifetime reserve days.

    Also Check: Is Shingrix Vaccine Covered By Medicare

    How Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

    How Medicare covers weight loss surgery depends on the type of surgery you get, particularly whether you’re an inpatient or outpatient. So, we first need to understand the parts of Medicare.

    • Medicare Part A is also known as hospital insurance, because it covers inpatient care received in a hospital or skilled nursing facility .
    • Medicare Part B is also known as medical insurance, because it covers outpatient services like doctor visits, lab work, mental health care, and durable medical equipment .
    • Medicare Part C is more commonly known as Medicare Advantage. These are health insurance plans provided by private insurance companies working under guidelines set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you get your Parts A and B benefits in one policy. In addition, most Advantage plans also provide extra benefits, like prescription drugs and routine vision and dental care.
    • Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. As with Part C, private insurance companies sell Part D prescription drug plans. You may get these benefits through a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan or by joining a standalone Medicare Part D plan.

    Original Medicare includes Parts A and B. You may also join a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, more commonly known as Medigap. These plans help pay some of your out-of-pocket costs when you have Original Medicare. You cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and Medigap.

    Sclerotherapy For Dilated Gastrojejunostomy

    Does Medicaid Cover Skin Removal After Weight Loss Surgery ...

    The textbook Townsend: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery states that, in regard to investigational bariatric procedures, “endoscopic incisionless surgery has focused on patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who have inadequate weight loss or significant weight regain and who have a dilated gastrojejunostomy. It is thought that these patients lose restriction because of the dilated gastrojejunostomy and thus overeat. Surgeons have tried endoscopic injection of sclerosing agents to create scar and a smaller anastomosis, with variable effects.”

    In a 2007 article, Spaulding, Osler and Patlak studied endoscopic sclerotherapy with sodium morrhuate of a dilated gastrojejunostomy in 147 gastric bypass patients. In a retrospective review, 32 patients were identified for whom > or =12 months of postprocedure data were available. Their weight trends before and after treatment were assessed by paired t test. A total of 32 patients who were gaining weight after gastric bypass underwent sclerotherapy of their dilated gastrojejunostomy. The timing of treatment ranged from 10 to 140 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Before sclerotherapy, patients were gaining weight at a rate of .36 kg/mo. After treatment, they were losing weight at a rate of .39 kg/mo. After treatment, 56.3% of patients began to lose weight, 34.4% had their weight stabilize, and 9.4% continued to gain weight.

    Read Also: What Age Can You Get Medicare Health Insurance

    Medicare Weight Loss Surgery Criteria

    To help physicians determine whether a beneficiary is eligible for weight loss surgery, Medicare has criteria that a patient must meet in order to have Medicare cover bariatric surgery.

    To be pre-approved for weight loss surgery under Medicare, your doctor must write a letter recommending surgery and he must certify that you meet the following criteria:

    • You must have a Body Mass Index of 35 or higher
    • You must have at least one comorbidity factor. This refers to a serious illness that is somehow related to your weight, such as diabetes or sleep apnea.
    • Your medical records must show that youve been obese for a minimum of 5 years
    • Youve attempted at least one other weight loss program and failed to lose weight
    • Have passed a psychological evaluation
    • Other treatable diseases have been ruled out

    Medicare beneficiaries must also have their weight-loss surgery performed at facilities that have been certified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level 1 Surgery Center.

    Many of those that qualify for bariatric surgery will also qualify for treatment under their Medicare plan. However, this may not be true of everyone. Those with a BMI over 40 but no obesity-related medical conditions may not qualify under the above requirements. You will have to check with your doctor and Medicare to see if you meet the above qualifications.

    Do I Qualify For Bariatric Surgery With Medicare

    If you are enrolled in Medicare, the first step is to see your doctor. You will need a doctors approval and diagnosis, both to see if bariatric surgery is right for you, and to have a record for when you start discussing your options with Medicare and your bariatric surgeon.

    There is no pre-approval process for Medicare bariatric surgery. Each patient is reviewed on a case by case basis. If you are interested in undergoing this type of surgery through Medicare, start with the following process:

    • Find a Medicare-approved bariatric surgeon.
    • Ensure that you qualify for Medicare to pay for bariatric surgery.
    • Complete any and all special meetings and consultations the surgeon requires.
    • Complete all of your testings, including lab work, x-rays, and more.
    • Have the surgeon contact Medicare with all of the results of your medical tests.

    The approval process can be lengthy. For those that are in need of immediate treatment, it may be best to see if there are other options out there. But once you have completed this process, if you meet all of their requirements, you should be able to receive bariatric surgery medical treatment.

    Danielle Kunkle Roberts is the co-founder at Boomer Benefits, an agency that helps baby boomers navigate their entry into Medicare.

    This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.

    Packages comparable to A Lighter Me®

    Don’t Miss: What Is The Average Premium For Medicare Advantage Plans

    Will A Medicare Advantage Plan Cover Weight Loss Surgery

    Coverage for any procedure with a Medicare Advantage plan can change depending on a range of circumstances. UnitedHealthcare has an Advantage plan that covers weight loss surgery after meeting the plans guidelines.

    Advantage plans determine the level of benefits and costs of service based on the service area, health condition, and medical necessity.

    Medicare Advantage beneficiaries should contact their policy directly if unsure about coverage and benefits.

    Mini Sleeve Gastrectomy By Natural Orifice Trans

    Does your insurance cover Bariatric surgery, and if not, what are the options?

    Erridge and colleagues summarized the clinical applications of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in bariatric surgery. These investigators carried out a review of data, until December 2014 regarding techniques and outcomes of bariatric NOTES procedures. A total of 9 publications were included in the final analysis, with another 6 papers describing endolumenal procedures included for comparison. All NOTES studies adopted a hybrid procedure. Hybrid NOTES sleeve gastrectomy was described in 4 humans and 2 porcine studies. In humans, 6 subjects were converted to conventional laparoscopic methods, and 1 post-operative complication was reported. Mean excess weight loss was 46.6 % . The authors concluded that transvaginal-assisted sleeve gastrectomy appeared feasible and safe when performed by appropriately trained professionals. However, they stated that improvements must be made to overcome current technical limitations.

    Also Check: Do Doctors Have To Accept Medicare Advantage Plans

    Types Of Bariatric Surgeries

    Bariatric surgeries change the structure of the digestive system to limit food consumption by the patient. The four most common types of bariatric surgery include:

    Gastric bypass surgery, which creates a new stomach and bypasses a small portion of the small intestine

    Gastric banding, which uses an adjustable gastric band around the upper portion of stomach

    Gastric sleeve surgery removes 85% of the stomach and

    Biliopancreatic diversion removes 70% of the stomach.

    What Is Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

    Bariatric weight loss surgery makes physical changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. In every case, the patient’s stomach is made physically smaller, ensuring you feel more full, more quickly, than you did before the procedure.

    Two of the bariatric weight loss procedures covered by Medicare also divert food away from the small intestine. This reduces the number of calories you absorb from food or drink .

    Recommended Reading: What Are All The Medicare Parts

    To Qualify For Weight Loss Surgery Medicare Requires That The Patient Complete All 4 Of The Following Requirements Listed Below:

    • Have a Body Mass Index of 35 or greater at the time of surgery. Check Your Body Mass Index .
    • Have at least ONE of the following diagnosed health conditions
    • Type II diabetes mellitus .
    • Refractory hypertension .
    • Refractory hyperlipidemia .
    • Obesity-induced cardiomyopathy.
    • Clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea.
    • Obesity-related hypoventilation.
    • Pseudotumor cerebri .
    • Severe arthropathy of spine and/or weight-bearing joints .
    • Hepatic steatosis without evidence of active inflammation.
  • Have been previously unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity 626-8684).
  • Psychological Evaluation
  • More articles

    Popular Articles