Connecticut Cost and Insurance for Weight Loss Surgery

No matter what type of weight loss surgery in Connecticut you choose, the cost of the procedure is an important factor that will help you determine at which facility you will have the surgery. Weight loss surgery costs consist of hospital facility fees, surgeon’s fees, and anesthesia fees and vary depending on the type of surgery and your insurance coverage.

In addition to the procedure fees, however, you need to take into consideration both the surgeon’s experience and the quality of care at the facility you are considering. Before you make a decision, check on the surgeon’s background, ask for referrals and get as much information as possible.

Dr. Tim Ehrlich is an experienced weight loss surgeon who performed over 2,000 bariatric surgeries (such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, LAP-BAND® adjustable gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and revisional weight loss surgeries). Dr. Ehrlich is a thought leader in the bariatric surgery field and is involved with numerous studies, including the low BMI LAP-BAND® study. Dr. Ehrlich has partnered with Griffin Hospital, a state-of-the-art hospital nationally recognized for patient-centered care and providing the latest in medical technology in a healing, nurturing environment.

If you are thinking about self-funding your bariatric procedure, consider the peace of mind that BLISCare can give you. BLISCare is a “warranty” that covers all unforeseen medical complications and is included in our self-pay fees. Ehrlich Bariatrics is one of only two bariatric programs in Connecticut that offers BLISCare. Learn more about BLISCare.

Free Weight Loss Surgery Insurance Evaluation

Regardless of whether you are just beginning your research or have already decided on a procedure or weight loss surgery team, Ehrlich Bariatrics offers our Connecticut patients a free bariatric surgery insurance evaluation. We will work directly with your insurance company to determine whether they will pay for your procedure, and if they do we will help you fill out the paperwork and get approval. In the case that your insurance company has a bariatric surgery exclusion in your plan, we will discuss our financing options and cash pricing with you. Request your free insurance evaluation now.

Connecticut Weight Loss Surgery Insurance Coverage

Bariatric insurance coverage in Connecticut varies depending on your health insurance provider, as well as your specific insurance plan chosen by you or your employer. The staff at Ehrlich Bariatrics are insurance experts and will help you understand your options, navigate through the insurance approval process, and maximize the benefits available from your insurance plan.

To help you understand the insurance approval process, we have outlined the general steps below:

1. The first step in understanding bariatric surgery insurance coverage in Connecticut is reviewing your insurance policy. Some policies expressly rule out obesity surgery. In this case, don’t despair as Ehrlich Bariatrics offers other payment options, such as weight loss surgery financing plans and cash-pay options. We are committed to helping you pay for your weight loss procedure so that nothing stands between you and your health and weight goals.
2. If there is no exclusion in your policy, we can call your insurance company to verify your coverage. We will need your information, such as your height, weight, BMI, diet history and any obesity- related medical problems you may have. If the answer is yes, we will request bariatric surgery pre-authorization, which will ensure payment after your surgery.
3. In order to obtain pre-authorization, insurance companies often ask for the proof of “medical necessity” for your procedure. In other words, they want to make sure that you actually need this operation for health reasons. In some instances, you may have to participate in a medically supervised weight loss program prior to approval. In order to have a solid case, collect information about your previous weight loss attempts and all records from physicians who have treated you for health issues related to obesity.
4. The insurance company review process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, and if your claim has been approved they will send us an “Approval Letter.” We will then schedule your surgery.

In case your bariatric surgery insurance coverage is denied, you can still appeal this decision in 30 to 60 days. During this process, Ehrlich Bariatrics will work with you and your primary care provider to send a weight loss surgery appeal letter to the insurance company and follow up on their decision.

Paying for Weight Loss Surgery In Connecticut

Weight loss surgery insurance approval process is not easy by any means, and sometimes insurance coverage is not available. However, remember that Dr. Tim Ehrlich and his team of experts are here for you and will help you navigate this process and understand all your payment options. To learn more, register for a free seminar or request an appointment at our office.