But why might a patient not qualify for bariatric surgery? BMI: First and most obviously, they simply may not have a BMI that is high enough. A BMI of 35 or more with one or more obesity related conditions or BMI of 40 or greater regardless of obesity related conditions is required to have surgery.

Why do insurance companies deny weight-loss surgery?

If surgery is denied, we will review the decision and take the appropriate follow-up steps outlined by your insurance. Denials occur for a number of reasons, such as missing documentation or a lack of meeting of the minds about criteria that may be vague or open to interpretation.

Will my insurance pay for bariatric surgery?

Different insurance companies and policies cover different procedures, but in general, most insurance companies will at least partially cover the major bariatric surgeries: gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric band.

How much is bariatric surgery out of pocket?

The cost of weight-loss surgery depends on a number of factors, including your location, the hospital, the surgeons fees, and the type of procedure. According to Obesity Coverage, a bariatric surgery information site, the average cost of lap-band surgery is $14,500, while gastric bypass costs an average of $23,000.