Bariatric surgery can be expensive, but they can also be very beneficial. Some people choose to self-pay for their bariatric surgery because they want to take control of their health in a way that insurance companies don’t always allow. They may also want to avoid getting a second opinion—filling out all the paperwork to get approval for the procedure from their insurance company. It would be best if you did not worry; Dr. Jay Suggs at Alabama Bariatrics got you covered.
Here are reasons why some people self-pay for their bariatric surgery:
Medical Insurance Denials
There are many reasons why people choose to self-pay for their bariatric surgery. One of the most common is that they don’t want to wait for their insurance company to deny them coverage.
Insurance companies are notorious for denying coverage for medical procedures. Especially ones that they see as cosmetic. Bariatric surgery falls into this category, so many people pay out of pocket to get the surgery done without waiting for the insurance company’s approval.
Another reason why people choose self-payment is because of the costs associated with weight loss surgery. At the same time, some insurance companies will cover expenses related to weight loss surgeries (such as lapband). Others will not cover any of it, and those who do often only cover specific types of weight loss surgeries (such as gastric bypass).
Weight Loss Surgery Is Subject to Strict Insurance Requirements
Many insurance companies have strict requirements for approval of weight loss surgery. Cost can be one factor, but it’s not the only one. For example, many insurance companies need you to consider BMI over 30 for weight loss surgery. If you have a BMI of 27, you may not be able to get coverage through your company. If you want to pay out-of-pocket, you may need to wait until your BMI exceeds the threshold.
There’s also the cost issue: Many insurance companies won’t cover weight loss surgery unless necessary or if it’s part of your treatment plan for another condition (like diabetes). If your insurance doesn’t cover this procedure, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for it—which can cost thousands of dollars.
The Approval Process Can Be Long and Frustrating
The approval process for weight loss surgery can take several months, and the approval rates are low. The approval rate for gastric bypass is about 50%, and the approval rate for the lap band is about 70%. Some people prefer to avoid this waiting period by choosing to self-pay.
When you choose to self-pay, you are responsible for paying upfront all the costs associated with your surgery. Therefore, you will need to save up enough money. Or be able to take out a loan before your surgery date to cover these expenses. Besides, there may be other costs that aren’t covered with your surgery when you choose this option, such as follow-up appointments. Or any complications that arise after surgery.
The Cost of Bariatric Surgery Is Lower Than What Their Insurance Would Need Them To Pay
Some people self-pay for weight loss surgery because they can do so at a lower cost than the cost that their insurance would need them to pay with a copay or deductible. Often, self-pay surgery fees are negotiated. You may be able to get a discount from the hospital and the doctor.
Self-pay patients are also given the option of paying upfront for their procedure, which can help them avoid waiting for reimbursement from their insurance company.
Self-paying allows you to control how much you spend on your weight loss surgery. It gives you more flexibility in choosing which procedures you want to do.
Using Self-Pay Allows You To See a Bariatric Surgeon Sooner
There are several reasons why patients choose to self-pay for their weight loss surgery. First, it can mean seeing a bariatric surgeon sooner than using insurance approval. You’ll also avoid the hassle of dealing with insurance companies and waiting for coverage to kick in. Also, when you self-pay for your surgery, you have more control over the process. The surgeon and hospital you choose for your procedure will be up to you.
Insurers Take Too Long To Process Their Obesity Claims
Obesity is a severe condition that can cause many health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. If you’re overweight, you may feel like you don’t have much time to wait for your insurance company to approve your weight loss surgery.
But don’t worry! You can still get the help you need—you must be proactive. Start by reviewing your medical history with our Dr. William Jay Suggs. Follow up with your insurance company. To find out what they need from you before they approve the procedure. Remember that most insurance companies require an initial consultation with their physician before they approve any procedure. Make sure you schedule this appointment first thing!
Their Health Plans Do Not Want To Limit Their Choice of Surgeon
People choose to self-pay for weight loss surgery for a variety of reasons. They desire more flexibility in selecting the surgeon they want to perform the surgery. Only approved providers are allowed to participate in some health plans. This list may not include surgeons who offer the required procedure.
High Deductibles or Coinsurance Prevent Their Health Plan From Covering Weight Loss Procedures
Suppose you’re considering weight loss surgery. You might be wondering whether it will cost you. It can be expensive, but the good news is that there are ways to make it less expensive. The first step is figuring out which type of procedure you want and where it’s available.
There are two main types of weight loss surgery: gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. Both procedures can help you lose weight and improve your health, but they have different benefits and risks. Gastric bypass offers more dramatic results in weight loss than the gastric sleeve. It also has higher chances of complications. A gastric sleeve is less invasive than a gastric bypass. So it has fewer complications and risks than gastric bypass. Yet, it doesn’t offer as much of a benefit when losing weight. It will help with excess fat around the midsection and other areas like thighs or arms.
Once you know what type of procedure you want and who offers it, the next step is figuring out how much it costs and whether your health plan covers any part of the cost.
Their Employer Pays for Dependents Instead of Them
Self-paying for weight loss surgery is an option for people who want to save some money. Their employer only covers 50% of the cost to cover dependents. And they want to save some money by paying for it themselves.
Your deductible will be higher if you self-paying than your employer covers 100%. Before the insurance company covers the rest of your costs, you will have to pay more out of pocket.
Good news! There are programs available to help with the cost of your surgery.
Affordable Self-Pay Prices for Bariatric Surgery
Some people self-pay for their weight loss surgery to keep their costs down. They may not have enough health insurance to cover the procedure or have deductibles or copays that would be too expensive.
Here at Alabama Bariatric, we offer affordable self-pay prices for weight loss surgery. Everyone should be able to afford the care they need, including our weight loss surgery patients. We are proud of our reputation as a hospital that offers high-quality care at an affordable cost.
Bariatric Surgery Patients Should Still Follow Through With Aftercare
You should still follow through with aftercare even if you are paying for your weight loss surgery. Doctors or surgeons will tell you what to do.
You should schedule a check-up and post-operative review with your surgeon during aftercare. At least once a year. Physical therapy, nutrition counseling, and other treatments can help keep your body healthy. Prevent you from gaining back the lost weight.
There is a lot of support available to those who self-pay for bariatric surgery!
Get started by calling our office number at (256) 274-4523.
Choose to Self-Pay for Your Weight Loss Surgery Today!
Self-paying for weight loss surgery has many benefits. You can focus on your health rather than dealing with insurance company paperwork and red tape. It gives you more flexibility when scheduling your procedure. Besides, Alabamas Bariatric offers financing options. So patients don’t have to make a large upfront payment. Want to learn more? Register for our next webinar. Call our office for more information or visit Alabama Bariatrics.
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