Getting Started

The following is a brief outline of the steps you will take should you choose to proceed with weight-loss surgery:

• When you have registered to attend a seminar, we will send you an information packet containing some very important forms and information. Please complete the Patient Information Sheet as completely and accurately as possible. Be sure to list all medications and dosages that you are currently taking. If you have questions about any part of those forms, leave those areas blank. When the forms are completed, fax them to our office at 619-229-3341, or bring them with you to the patient education seminar, along with a copy (front and back) of your insurance card.

• We will contact you to review the questionnaire and to answer any questions that you may have. When the review is complete, we will provide you with a list of your specific insurance company’s requirements, which are necessary to request approval for surgery.

• Insurance companies often require proof of previous physician-supervised, weight-loss attempts, and a detailed history of other diets you may have tried. It is a good idea to begin gathering this information as soon as possible.

• We also will compose a Letter of Medical Necessity based on your individual health history. As soon as you provide documentation of the insurance requirements to our office, we will submit that documentation and the Letter of Medical Necessity to your insurance carrier(s) to request authorization for surgery.

• We will inform you of the required testing, which you must have prior to the surgery. You must ensure that all testing is completed in a timely manner, as failure to do so will delay your surgery.

• One of our insurance analysts will serve as your “team member” throughout the approval process. As soon as your insurance carrier(s) notifies us of its decision, we will contact you. The review and notification process usually takes from one to six weeks, although it may sometimes take longer.

• Please note that obtaining authorization for surgery from your insurance carrier(s) does not in any way obligate you to have surgery. When authorization for surgery is received and all recommended testing is complete, we will contact you to discuss your insurance benefits, your personal financial responsibility, and provide you with a list of available surgical dates. Your surgery date will be confirmed with the hospital and you may make arrangements for travel, if necessary.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Patients are responsible for their insurance carrier(s) co-payment prior to having surgery. All expected out-of-pocket expenses are itemized in detail upon receipt of surgical authorization.

There are discounted cash rates available for patients without insurance coverage, or who have policy exclusions.