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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
LAP-BAND procedures must complete these forms and mail them or bring them by our
office. 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. 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.
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, Cigna, 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
Cahaba Valley Surgical Group, PC currently accepts Medicare, Tricare, and most
commercial insurance plans, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield, United
Healthcare, Cigna, and many others. We do not accept state Medicaid
plans or Aetna insurance for our bariatric program. We also accept the CareCredit medical charge card for all elective
procedures.
Click here to find out our evaluation process…
Gastric
Bypass :: LAP-BAND ::
What to Expect Going Home :: FAQs
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