Money Matters

It is important for you to know what your financial responsibility will be prior to beginning this process. This will help you to plan and budget financially. If you need assistance with these fees, financing is available through a non-medical center related financing agency called Advanced Patient Financing. The Medical Center will not finance your surgery; however, we accept all major credit cards.

Insurance benefits vary from policy to policy. Some insurance companies require a 6 to 12 month physician documented diet and exercise program prior to surgery approval. It is strongly advised to check your specific benefits prior to beginning any weight loss program.

  1. Non-refundable Program Fee of $150.00 is due prior to beginning the Bariatric Surgery Program. This is generally due 1-2 months prior to surgery. This fee covers the following items before and after surgery:
    1. Fitness Consultations
    2. Program Education & Supplies
    3. Membership to Support Groups
  2. Additional fees will be required if your insurance benefits do not cover dietary or behavior modification consultations.
  3. Your individual out-of-pocket maximum, if it has not already been met. This amount depends on your particular insurance policy. This will be due one week before your scheduled surgery.
  4. Co-pays may be due at the following visits:
    1. Bariatric Surgeon
    2. Gallbladder Ultrasound
    3. Blood Work
    4. Chest X-Ray
    5. Sleep Study

Special Note:

  • Do my benefits cover weight loss surgery or morbid obesity (ICD code 278.01) (Procedure code: 43644 (Lap Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass) or 43770 (Adjustable Gastric Banding/LAP-BAND®)?
  • What, if any criteria must I meet prior to weight loss surgery approval?
  • What percentage of my surgery will my insurance company cover?
  • What percentage will I be responsible for (i.e. deductable/individual out-of pocket maximum)?

**Effective November 2005, Medicare's policies regarding Bariatric Surgery states that Bariatric Surgery will only be covered at a designated Center of Excellence facility/program. Although Guadalupe Regional Medical Center meets the medical standards, the number of surgeries performed has not yet reached the annual volume required for this designation.