Gastric Bypass - Cost and Payment Options

Gastric bypass surgery is considered the best solution for substantial and permanent weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The health benefits and weight loss results of gastric bypass are significant and life changing. Unfortunately, the cost of gastric bypass surgery is one of the primary reasons why many individuals do not proceed with treatment.

While the cost of gastric bypass surgery is significant, overall it is a small amount to pay for a life free from obesity and it's effects. Obesity is expensive - financially, physically, and emotionally. The side effects of obesity include lost work opportunities, health problems, and lifestyle limitations.

Gastric Bypass Cost

The cost of gastric bypass surgery in the United States is an average of $25,000, which can vary based on a patient's health, surgeon, location, and extent of surgery. The primary expenses are the bariatric surgeon's fee, hospital charges, anesthesiologist's fee, preoperative and post-operative lab testing, and follow-up exams.

In addition to the gastric bypass cost, other expenses include nutritional counseling, psychological counseling, and fitness training. Some bariatric surgeons will include these services in their bariatric program price, while others will not.

When comparing prices of various bariatric programs, find out what is included in the price and what is not. While cost is an issue, an all inclusive program price may have a higher upfront amount yet be more affordable in the long run and cost less overall than paying for the various expenses separately.

Insurance Coverage

A majority of prospective gastric bypass patients have health insurance that covers the cost of gastric bypass surgery. Even with insurance coverage, however, eligibility requirements must be met and pre-approval is required. Read over your policy for the terms of coverage and then follow-up with your insurance company for coverage instructions. If you need help gaining insurance coverage, your bariatric surgeon should be both capable and willing to help you with this process. If not, consider finding a qualified bariatric surgeon that is better able to help you.

Many times denial by an insurance company is due to unmet eligibility guidelines. It is common for insurance companies to request a letter of medical necessity from your bariatric surgeon as well as require documentation of a medically supervised diet prior to granting coverage. Although you may have struggled with obesity your whole life and tried to lose weight through dieting and exercise without success, your insurance company will want proof of these attempts.

Some patients may also qualify for insurance coverage or assistance through the Medicare and Medicaid government programs. Contact the social services department in your area for eligibility and coverage benefits.

Patient Financing

For patients without insurance coverage, patient financing can help make the cost of gastric bypass surgery more affordable by breaking the cost down into manageable monthly payments. With financing, the loan company pays the amount due upfront, while you are able to make payments over the length of the loan.

Most bariatric surgeons have a working relationship with patient financing companies. If you are interested in this option, ask your bariatric surgeon for a referral. Make sure you finalize the payment plans before surgery and don't wait until it is too late to make other financial arrangements.

Gastric bypass cost