Is Affordable Weight Loss Surgery Within Reach? You’ll Be Surprised
Weight Loss Surgery has enabled millions of Americans to live longer lives by dramatically reducing their risk for serious health issues such as diabetes, strokes, and heart disease. With a new outlook on life, is it any wonder that the number of weight loss (bariatric) surgeries is steadily increasing every year?
But what’s the price tag? Is there such a thing as affordable weight loss surgery? And how does its expense outweigh the risks of other potentially dangerous diseases that can result from obesity?
We’ll take a look at the options for affordable weight loss surgery and how Conway Medical Center is the provider of choice for bariatric surgery.
How Can I Have Affordable Weight Loss Surgery?
Check With Your Insurance Company
The first place to start when determining if you can get affordable weight loss surgery is your health insurance policy.
The good news is that most insurance companies will cover at least some of the cost of weight loss surgery. However, it can be challenging and time-consuming to get the procedure approved. This is because the process requires several steps, including a letter of medical necessity.
You’ll also have to demonstrate that you meet all the requirements to qualify for weight loss surgery. (Check out our quiz on whether or not insurance covers weight loss surgery.)
Ask About Financing or Specialized Cash Options
Of course, there are several who have insurance policies with very high deductibles. At Conway Medical Center, we accept cash, and major credit cards and will work with you to arrange a payment plan so you can get the procedure you need.
We encourage you to look at the expense of weight loss surgery as an investment. You may find that within a few years, your savings on medicines and extensive doctor visits will easily make the investment worthwhile. (We go into a bit more detail below).
When Considering Weight Loss Surgery, Count the Cost of Obesity
Yes, weight loss surgery is expensive, and insurance companies require extensive paperwork before they’ll approve the procedure.
However, have you considered the cost of NOT having weight loss surgery?
The expenses associated with obesity and the health issues it creates can easily add up. Just consider the cost of:
- Co-pays for additional visits with your general practitioner
- Co-pays for multiple prescriptions
- Additional office visits
- Appointments with specialists
- Extensive lab work (which may need to be repeated periodically)
- Physical therapy (if needed)
As you see, the costs of being very obese can also make an impact on your bank account. That’s why you’ll see that affordable weight loss surgery should take into consideration the costs associated with health conditions—such as stroke or heart disease—that can result from obesity.
A Word of Warning About “Medical Tourism”
Medical tourism has become more popular over the last decade. Medical tourism involves going to another country to receive treatments, surgery, or the same procedure that you would have in the United States. The fees can be significantly less than they are in the U.S.
But there’s a very risky facet of medical tourism.
Remember that many countries may not have the licensure requirements that are needed in the U.S., and therefore you may receive much lower quality care. There’s also the risk of counterfeit medications and questionable or unreliable medical technology.
You’re also at greater risk of contracting infectious diseases and encountering antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly depending on the country.
The language barrier can also cause significant confusion and safety concerns. Even if you have an interpreter, there’s always a risk something will get lost in translation.
The Centers for Disease Control also warn against traveling by plane after surgery due to the risk of blood clots.
Conway Medical Center Has Earned Accolades for Its Weight Loss Surgery Program
To gain recognition for excellence in weight loss surgery, programs such as those at Conway Medical Center have to meet specific requirements. These include:
- Staff members who have received extensive training in how to treat and assist patients who are very obese
- Equipment designed to accommodate those who are severely obese to ensure safety
- Outstanding surgical results and outcomes
- Accreditation and certifications
As a result, we are proud to say that we have received recognition from:
- The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program
- Blue Cross, naming us as a Blue Distinction Center—meaning we have been recognized for outstanding patient safety and quality care.
- Aetna IOQ, which named us an Institute of Quality
Ready to Get Started on Your Weight Loss Journey?
Prepared to make a change for your health? We’ll be beside you every step of the way. Getting started is easy.
We suggest that you go ahead and start by completing an Insurance Coverage Patient Form to streamline the approval process if you’re expecting your insurance company to cover the cost.
In addition, potential patients must first watch our online weight loss seminar where you’ll learn everything you need to make an informed decision about weight loss surgery.
We want to help you be sure that you’re living the healthiest life possible. Often, that means taking the first step by scheduling an appointment with your healthcare team. After you watch the online weight loss seminar, contact your family medicine doctor or general practitioner for a referral.
