In the long term, bariatric surgery has a lasting, positive impact on health and longevity, but weight loss surgery procedures can be costly.
Bariatric surgery costs includes such variables as the hospital, the procedure and the overall health of the patient. Pricing covers:
- Hospital fees
- Surgeon fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Lab and X-ray fees
- Additional miscellaneous fees
Many health plans will cover costs associated with bariatric surgery, if you meet their criteria. If the surgeon accepts you as a surgical candidate, a letter will be submitted to your health plan stating why weight loss surgery is medically necessary for you.
Health plans vary widely in the specific services they cover, the reimbursement they provide, and the out-of-pocket expenses for which they expect you to be responsible. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance company first and make certain that weight loss surgery is a covered benefit within your specific plan.
Once your health plan provides pre-authorization, you may be scheduled for a surgery date. For patients not covered by insurance, there are self-pay options. If you have an HMO plan, you will need to obtain prior authorization for surgical consultation from your primary care physician.
El Camino Hospital offers free insurance counseling to help you with questions regarding bariatric surgery costs as part of our private consultation session.