Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program

Once you have decided to have weight loss surgery you may have come into a slight bump in the road - You may need to participate in a Medically Supervised Weight Loss program for 6 MONTHS or more!

What is a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program?

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs provide weight loss treatment in a clinical setting. Most insurances require this treatment to be with a licensed healthcare professional, such as a medical doctor, nurse, registered dietician and/or a psychologist. These programs typically offer services such as nutrition education, physical activity, and behavioral therapy prior to Bariatric Surgery.

Does your insurance company require a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program prior to Bariatric Surgery?

Please realize that NOT ALL insurance companies or policies require a medically supervised weight loss program prior to Bariatric Surgery, but there are some that may. The following insurance companies may require the medically supervised weight loss program prior to bariatric surgery:

Aetna
Amerihealth
Beechstreet
Blue Cross / Blue Shield of California
Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross / Federal
Cigna
Coresource
Healthnet
IDA
Oxford
PHCS
United Healthcare

Why do you need a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program?

Many insurance companies will not consider a request for weight loss surgery unless a patient has previously participated in a medically supervised weight loss program. This type of weight loss program includes diet, exercise, or medication for weight loss which is monitored by a doctor. The purpose of this requirement is to show a patient's efforts at weight loss and that the patient is willing to make the necessary dietary and behavioral changes for bariatric surgery.

The next question that comes to mind is usually:

Does my health insurance cover Medically Supervised Weight Loss Programs?

Many insurance companies will reimburse a participating provider for medically supervised weight loss programs. In most cases, the patient will be responsible for any co-payment, co-insurance, or deductable that may apply to their specific policy.

Where can you go for a Medically Supervised Weight Loss program?

Patients who are required to undergo a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program prior to Bariatric Surgery are recommended to schedule the program with us. Our practice offers a comprehensive curriculum of diet, exercise, and behavior modification in a classroom setting.

General areas of discussion include:

Healthy food choices
How to maintain a food diary
How to accurately read a nutrition label
Counting calories
Food substitutions
Lifestyle changes
General exercise guidelines
Different weight loss surgery options
AND much more...

In addition to diet and exercise discussion, every patient who is enrolled in a Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program will have their height, weight, BMI, and vital signs measured and recorded. The healthcare professional conducting the class will generate a progress note with the results after each visit. The progress notes will be submitted to your insurance company after completion of the program in order to achieve insurance approval for your surgery.