We at BeliteWeight specialize in helping you navigate through the confusing maze of requirements to enable Medicare to cover your Weight Loss Surgery. At this time Medicare covers either the Lap Band Surgery (Gastric Band) or Gastric Bypass Surgery (RNY-Roux-en-Y). In most cases, you will be able to complete the requirements AND have your surgery in as little as 4-6 weeks! We have implemented an efficient and streamlined process in which to better, more effectively assist you!
WHY TRAVEL?
Medicare requires Bariatric Surgeries to occur in a Center of Excellence Hospital. You may find that you do not have a C.O.E. located in your area; or if you do, their requirements may have you waiting for surgery for 12-18 months, or longer. Within 4-6 weeks you could already be on your way to a healthier YOU...why wait?
TO QUALIFY:
Do you have Medicare Part A & B Coverage? A BMI of at least 35, with at least one diagnosed medical condition related to being overweight (such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, or Arthritis)? If you answered YES, GREAT NEWS…more than likely, you already qualify. If you answered NO, please don't be discouraged…CALL US! You may still be able to have your surgery! We are here to help you!
OUR GOAL:
We strive for excellent customer service, prompt answers to your questions, and to ensure you are fully educated on the procedure you choose. We want you to feel 100% confident that you made the best decision for you and your health. We also provide post-surgery support, as needed, to aid you in achieving long-term weight loss success.
Medicare List – You will need the following:
1) A letter of "Medical Necessity" from your Primary Care Physician (PCP) stating why they feel you would benefit from Bariatric surgery (Lap Band).
*When approaching your Doctor for a letter of Medical Necessity, please keep in mind that Medicare is looking for one of the following major co-morbidities for Lap Band Surgery approval: A. Diabetes B. Sleep Apnea C. Hypertension D. Arthritis If you have other major health issues, please ask your Doctor to include these in his letter as well. **This letter should be on your Physician's letter head.
2) A Psychiatric or Psychological clearance.
3) Pulmonary Evaluation (Pulmonary Function Test) giving the patient clearance to undergo Bariatric surgery.
4) Cardiology Evaluation (Stress Test) clearing the patient to undergo Bariatric surgery.
5) Letter of Favorable Decision from Social Security stating why the patient is receiving disability. (Go to your local SS Office and they can provide you this letter).
6) The Medical Questionnaire, provided by Beliteweight, must be filled out and sent back to us. You may be asked to have additional tests done by the physicians.
7) Copy of your Medicare Card & drivers license.
*** NOTE: All of the above needs to be completed and sent to us for an "OK" from our Doctors first, before we give you, the patient, a confirmed surgery date.
We have additional information for you, so please fill out the Medicare specific inquiry form below if you are ready to take the next step in becoming a 'thinner you'. This summary is to provide general information to you to help get you started with the Medicare process. You will receive additional detailed information from your BeliteWeight Patient Facilitator, as we work through the requirement process together.
*You must have Medicare Part A & B Coverage*.
Please call our Medicare Coordination Team at 1-800-215-6497 if you have any questions.