Patient Info

Taking the First Step

At Cahaba Valley Surgical Group, we begin the process of patient selection by first evaluating a packet of forms submitted to us by a prospective patient. All candidates for gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding surgery must complete these forms and mail them with original signatures to the Bariatric Coordinator at Shelby Baptist. The forms are located at www.cahabavalleysurgical.com, then following the Bariatric Program link and instructions. (They are also found at the end of this Introduction). All of the forms must be complete in order for us to process your packet. We do not mail these forms out to patients. They are accessible on our website and at our office.

Within 30 business days of receiving your packet, a nurse will review your packet and send you a letter letting you know that we received your information. We will also indicate if we think that you may not be appropriate for our program. If it appears you may be an appropriate candidate, we will spell out the next steps toward scheduling an evaluation. We will also tell you what your insurance company may require. This initial process is facilitated by the Bariatric Coordinator at Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Requirements

As noted above, patients must be over 18 and have an appropriate BMI in order to be considered for bariatric surgery. Many insurance companies require evidence of active participation in weight loss support groups, and/or weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, and others. For most insurance companies, including most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, United Healthcare, and many others, a physician-supervised diet is required prior to their approval for the procedure. This is extremely important. This includes a program of dietary management, exercise and behavior modification, developed between you and your primary doctor, where your doctor monitors your weight loss program at periodic office visits. Generally, this includes at least six consecutive months, with at least monthly contact and weigh-ins with your doctor. Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers alone do not qualify as a physician supervised diet. We can help you identify what your specific insurance policy requires.

Insurance

In our Bariatric Services program, Cahaba Valley Surgical Group, PC currently accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercial plans, United Healthcare plans, and Tricare. We do not currently accept traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, state Medicaid plans, Aetna, or Cigna insurance for our bariatric program.

Click here to find out about our evaluation process…

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