Jul 8, 2008 | 5:14 pm
Starting Our Program
Cynthia Marsilio, RN, BSN.
Bariatric Program Director
The LAP-BAND® is a tool to assist you in weight loss. Our program requires several different tests and consultations prior to the LAP-BAND® surgery. Each step of the program will provide you with the necessary tools that you will need to change your lifestyle. Listed below are some of the tests and consultations required for our program.
- Call our office for appointment and patient screening
- 3 hour informational seminar at the Office
- Dietary Evaluation – by our Dietitian
- Psych Evaluation by one of our therapists and attendance at our support group meetings
- Fasting blood work – CBC, CMP, Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL direct, TSH, HgbA1C
- Upper GI X-ray
- Primary Care Physician consultation including medical necessity letter stressing monthly weights, diet attempts and physical evaluation
- Gastroenterology consultation and EGD (upper endoscopy)
- Pulmonologist consultation if you have asthma or sleep apnea
- Cardiologist consultation with cardiac clearance
I, however, must stress the importance of checking with your personal insurance carrier in regards to coverage for this procedure prior to initiating any of these tests or consultations. When asking your insurance company, be very specific – ask if the “LAP-BAND®” procedure is a covered benefit. You must also check with your employer’s Human Resources Department to ensure this is a covered benefit by your employer.
Insurance
Do not proceed with any testing until you know for sure your insurance company covers the procedure. Ask specifically if CPT code 43770 is a covered beneit in your contract. Be very careful as many insurance companies will say yes to “gastric surgery”. You want to be very specific and tell them CPT code 43770