Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Covered By Medicare

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.

Learning The Basics Of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, commonly known as weight loss surgery, alters persons digestive process within the gastrointestinal tract to assist the person in losing weight. There are 2 types of bariatric surgical techniques: restrictive and malabsorptive. These 2 techniques can also be combined to form a third technique. Most procedures are performed using a laparoscopic or open approach.

• Restrictive procedures: Reduce the stomach size thus decreasing the amount of food the stomach can hold
• Malabsorptive procedures: Limit the amount of nutrients and calories that the body can absorb

Working With Medicare To Cover Bariatric Surgery

Understanding the protocols around federal government gastric bypass surgery can be tough. It can also be challenging navigating the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website. Thats why the caring staff at Olde Del Mar Surgical is here to help. Our team is seasoned in walking patients through all that is involved in Medicare-approved bariatric surgery.

We can guide you through the process, help you avoid any pitfalls, and double-check to make sure paperwork is properly completed. Our experienced staff will ensure a smooth process and make sure Medicare properly covers your surgery.

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Private Health Coverage For Weight Loss Surgery

Furthermore, Private Health Funds will cover the hospital fees associated with any procedure that has an Item Number, including weight loss surgery.

Private Health Funds usually offer different levels of cover depending on your monthly premium or plan.

As is common with most procedures, there is usually an out-of-pocket gap that the patient must pay as the rebates from Medicare and Private Health Funds are not sufficient to cover all the associated costs with our complete

What Is Gastric Bypass

A gastric bypass procedure involves two primary components that change the way your digestive tract is routed.

• The first part of gastric bypass involves sectioning off the top of the stomach. This is done by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach that is roughly one ounce in volume.
• The second part of gastric bypass involves dividing the small intestine into two parts. First, the bottom portion of the divided small intestine is connected to the new stomach pouch. Then, the top portion of the divided small intestine is reconnected further down the bottom portion of the small intestine.

There are two types of gastric bypass surgery: open gastric bypass and laparoscopic gastric bypass. Open gastric bypass surgery is performed using a large incision in the abdomen and is typically invasive. Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is performed using a laparoscope and is typically much less invasive.

The entire gastric bypass procedure creates a bypass of the normal functions of the digestive system, which greatly decreases the amount of food a person can eat. In turn, this decreases caloric intake, as well as the absorption of nutrients. The decreased intake and absorption of foods from gastric bypass contribute to long-term weight loss.

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Free Bariatric Surgery Consultation Is Available

Book in for your free, no-obligation consultation with our Perioperative Nurse, Surgical Assistant, Shirley Lockie. In this consultation you will be provided with information on the different types of surgeries, program appointments and we will answer any questions you may have about the process. Shirley will also help guide you on Medicare cover and how to navigate your private health insurance options.

Types Of Bariatric Weight Loss Surgeries Covered By Medicare

Although Medicare covers several bariatric weight loss surgeries, it doent cover all surgery types. Following is a list of weight-loss surgeries that receive coverage from Medicare:

• Duodenal Switch
• Lap-Band Surgery

Outside of this list of procedures, Medicare coverage for weight loss surgery is limited and may not be available.

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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.

Lap Band Surgery: Medicare Coverage

Medicare may cover lap band surgery if your Medicare-assigned doctor determines that you meet certain criteria related to obesity. To be covered, you generally must meet all of the following criteria:

• Have a body mass index greater than or equal to 35.
• Have at least one co-morbidity related to obesity.
• Have previously received unsuccessful medical treatment for obesity.

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How Do You Have Gastric Sleeve Surgery Covered By Insurance

In certain circumstances, the health insurance you have could cover the cost associated with bariatric procedures. Certain states have to pay for bariatric surgeries if an ACA-compliant health insurance policy covers you via the Marketplace.

But weight loss surgery isnt always covered by all policies or for everyone. If youre interested in getting your health insurance to pay for weight loss surgery, heres what you must do:

How Much Does Bariatric Surgery Cost With Medicare

A 2017 study posted on the National Institutes of Health website put the average bariatric surgery cost at around $14,000 but with a standard deviation of more than $5,000.

Weight loss surgery costs will vary based on various factors, but if Medicare approves the procedure, you will pay some, but a relatively small portion, of the typical weight loss surgery cost.

Most people receive bariatric surgery on an inpatient basis, but outpatient weight loss surgery is more common each year.

• Of the nationally approved Medicare procedures, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is the least invasive and the most likely to be performed on an outpatient basis.

• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch/Gastric Reduction Duodenal Switch are the most invasive and the most likely to be performed on an inpatient basis.

• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may be outpatient in a few instances but more often remains inpatient.

Why does inpatient versus outpatient matter?

For the patient, an outpatient procedure indicates that recovery might be more manageable. And for practical purposes, it will help determine how and what Medicare pays for the procedure. Interestingly, based on an average cost, a patient on Original Medicare may pay less out of pocket for an inpatient procedure.

Parts A and B qualify you to add a Part D drug plan to help with related prescription costs.

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Types Of Bariatric Surgery

There are four different types of weight loss surgeries, all currently covered by Medicare:

• Gastric bypass surgery: During gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon turns the top of the stomach into a small gastric pouch. A loop of the small intestine is fed and connected into the gastric pouch, and the other end of the loop is reconnected to the small intestine. Food is then redirected into an area further into your digestive system, bypassing the stomach so your body wont absorb as many calories.
• Sleeve gastrectomy: Also known as a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure is done laparoscopically. About 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. This restricts the amount of food youre able to eat and helps prompt hormonal changes that assist with weight loss.
• Lap band surgery: The least invasive option, an adjustable gastric band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to restrict how much food the stomach will hold, helping you to feel full faster.
• Duodenal switch: This procedure combines a sleeve gastrectomy with an intestinal bypass, removing part of your stomach to restrict how much food your stomach can hold and how much nutrition your small intestine can absorb.

Note that a sleeve gastrectomy may only be covered on a regional basis, so check with your local bariatric surgeon or Medicare for more information.

If Youre Working With A Doctor To Lose Weight Medicare May Cover Gastric Bypass Surgery

Weight loss surgery isnt right for everyone, and its typically the last resort for those looking to lose weight. However, there are several different types of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass surgery, that can help a person lose weight and get healthier. Thousands of people get bariatric surgery each year in the U.S.

While these procedures can be very expensive, Medicare does cover some of the costs for qualified beneficiaries. Read on to learn more about Medicare coverage for gastric bypass surgery and other information you may need to know.

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Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery Techniques

We want to make sure you have access to advanced weight-loss techniques that help you become healthy as quickly as effectively as possible. To that end, we offer several of our surgeries using minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopic, laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries.

Endoscopic weight loss

We are proud to offer some procedures that can be performed endoscopically, meaning they are performed via a flexible scope through the mouth. This is the same way many standard outpatient scope procedures are performed in other medical fields. Endoscopic devices are nonsurgical, and they allow physicians to more easily place sutures and complete other steps involved in your procedure.

Some of the bariatric procedures we offer endoscopically include:

• Endoscopic gastric balloon
• Endoscopic bariatric revisions

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery typically involves more incisions than robotic surgery, but fewer and smaller incisions than traditional surgery. In this type of surgery, a small scope connected to a video camera as well as surgical tools are inserted into the abdomen. It is less traumatic to the body than traditional surgery, which typically results in a faster recovery.

Some of the bariatric procedures we perform laparoscopically include:

• Laparoscopic gastric banding

• Robotic single-incision adjustable gastric band
• Robotic sleeve gastrectomy

What Kind Of Weight Loss Surgery Does Medicare Cover

Surgery that helps reduce caloric intake and absorption has become a popular and effective treatment for people who havent had success with less invasive treatments. Surgical approaches continue to develop, and at this time, Medicare covers three types of surgery for eligible patients.

Does Medicare cover gastric bypass surgery, the oldest form of weight loss surgery? It does, in addition to a couple of newer procedures.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a type of gastric bypass surgery more than a half-century old. The procedure creates a smaller stomach and a smaller path through the small intestine, leading to decreased hunger and food absorption.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch or Gastric Reduction Duodenal Switch : is the most effective surgical weight loss approach for diabetes patients. The procedures work similarly to gastric bypass but remove large portions of the stomach rather than just bypassing it and may also remove most of the duodenum .

Adjustable gastric banding : The least invasive of the Medicare-approved procedures, sometimes used with less severe patients, places a silicone band around the top portion of the stomach that limits hunger and consumption.

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Lap Band Surgery Costs

If your doctor recommends lap band surgery for you, you might want to ask about the costs youâll have to pay. Ask whether you will be an inpatient or an outpatient because that may affect the costs you pay. For example, Medicare Part A might not cover hospital services if you havenât been admitted as an inpatient.

Even if Medicare covers the procedure, youâll likely pay some lap band surgery costs such as coinsurance and possible deductible amounts.

What Is Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch is similar to gastric bypass, in that it creates a smaller stomach and bypasses most of the small intestine. However, instead of creating a small, pouch-like stomach, BPD/DS uses sleeve gastrectomy to remove 80 percent of the stomach. The gastric sleeve leaves a tube-shaped stomach that resembles a banana. The patient gets the same benefits feeling full more quickly thanks to a smaller stomach and malabsorption of calories. Unfortunately, this also leads to the same nutrition deficiencies seen in gastric bypass. The procedure is extremely effective, although it has more risks than either gastric bypass or LAP-BAND. Typically, your doctor will only recommend BPD/DS if your body mass index is over 50.

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Is Bariatric Surgery Covered By Insurance

Most commercial insurance plans approve all four typical weight loss surgical procedures gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding with LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® bands, or duodenal switch procedures for the appropriate patients.

To receive approval, a patient usually needs to have a BMI above 40, or a BMI between 35 and 39 if the patient also has certain medical conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure. Some insurance companies have a mandatory three-month weight management protocol that you must complete before surgery. Some have a protocol as long as six months.

For all plans, dietary and psychological evaluations are mandatory. This is a practical step that helps ensure your readiness for the procedure.

Your medical team can work with you to help you meet the particular requirements of your health plan in order to qualify for insurance coverage.

Bariatric Surgical Management Of Morbid Obesity

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Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is notrecommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services.The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.

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What Types Of Bariatric Surgery Does Medicare Cover

If you meet the eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery and your doctor determines that itâs medically necessary, you may be eligible for coverage. Keep in mind that Original Medicare Part A and Part B doesnât cover every single type of bariatric surgery for example, Intestinal Bypass surgery isnât covered.

Medicare covers the following bariatric surgery procedures:

Will Medicare Pay For Skin Removal After Weight Loss Surgery

Medicare doesnt cover cosmetic surgery, but it may cover cosmetic procedures if they are medically necessary for a particular situation.

Medicare lists a panniculectomy, defined as surgery to remove excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen, among a list of outpatient services that may be covered because of accidental injury or to improve the function of a malformed body part.

As with bariatric surgery and other surgical procedures, you should work with your healthcare provider to determine if Medicare will cover the procedure.

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Will Medicare Pay For Gastric Bypass Revision Surgery

I know that medicare will pay for gastric bypass but does it also cover the surgery to have it reversed.