Is Lap Band Surgery Covered by Insurances?
Some insurance companies cover adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band Surgery) if you meet certain criteria. Guidelines vary from one plan to another, so contact your insurance company to ask about the conditions and stipulations on your plan.-
Body Mass Index
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Many insurance companies will cover Lap-Band surgery if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with one or more co-morbidities.
Co-Morbidities
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Co-morbidities are health problems that are related to obesity. Qualifying co-morbidities for insurance coverage may include diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
Diet
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Many insurance plans require you to follow a supervised diet for up to six months in order to be approved for Lap-Band surgery.
History of Weight
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To qualify for insurance coverage, you may need to provide medical documentation indicating you have been overweight or obese for at least five years.
Psychological Evaluation
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Some insurance companies also require a psychological evaluation to demonstrate that you are capable of handling the pressures and stresses that follow Lap-Band surgery.
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