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Step-by-Step Process

This program has four phases. We cannot discuss or estimate a surgery date with you until you have successfully completed everything in the program and are cleared for surgery in all aspects.

Step 1: Attend Mandatory Informational Seminar

Step 2: Appointment With Our Physician

  • After you have attended our informational session, our physician will conduct a one-on-one consultation to answer any questions you may have.
  • You will be physically examined.
  • This appointment will last approximately one hour.
  • Further testing will be determined by our physician.

Step 3: Evaluations & Collection of Required Information

Psychological Evaluation

  • Performed to determine your appropriateness for surgery.
  • Complete MMPI- II test - one of the most frequently used personality tests in mental health
  • Must include documentation in report that your psychiatric profile is such that you are able to understand, tolerate and comply with all phases of care and are committed to long-term follow-up care; your post-operative expectations have been addressed.
  • Insurance may not cover Psychological Evaluation. (You are not required to see our psychologist, but make sure the psychologist you choose is familiar with evaluation for bariatric surgery).

Diet Evaluation

  • Review pre-operative guidelines.
  • Review post-operative guidelines (clear liquids, pureed, soft and regular).
  • Protein supplements.
  • Medicines and vitamins.
  • You will need a 3-month follow-up with a dietitian.

TSH Levels

  • Thyroid blood tests to be performed by your Primary Care Physician.
  • Must be within 6 months of insurance approval.

Letter of Medical Clearance

  • This will come from your primary care physician.
  • It will need to state your height, weight, BMI and your clearance for surgery.

Pulmonary Consultation

  • To determine if you have sleep apnea or any other respiratory disease.
  • To determine if you need a breathing machine before surgery.

Physician Supervised Diet Documentation (if required by your insurance provider)

  • Must be office notes or other documentation from a qualified professional to supervise a diet.
  • A summary letter is not sufficient and cannot be accepted.
  • Should adhere to guidelines provided by insurance company.

Referral (if required by insurance provider)

  • This is required of all patients who have an HMO or POS contract with their insurance company.

Step 4: Insurance Approval

Benefits & Eligibility

  • We verify that you have benefits for office visits, as well as obtain information on your co-pays and deductibles.

Predetermination

  • A letter of predetermination is submitted to the insurance company for approval.
  • Typical response time frame from the insurance company is 1 to 6 weeks.

Step 5: Scheduling Surgery

Once approval is received:

Upper GI Series and Abdominal X-Ray

  • These tests are performed after we receive insurance approval. Normally they are done the same day you see the surgeon to sign your consent.

Appointment to Sign Consent:

  • At this visit you will speak with the surgeon and review and sign consent. You surgery date will be given to you in 3 business days after this appointment.