Did you know that most LAP BAND(r) and Gastric Bypass cases are covered by insurance?

The reason for the question is it’s one of the biggest concerns that we hear from people who are thinking about the LAP BAND(r) or Gastric Bypass and it can be a deciding factor in moving forward with the procedure. Many patients wonder, “Are bariatric procedures too expensive?” Well, that’s what many others have thought – before they found out that insurance covered it.

That’s right. Many insurance companies do cover the procedures and you can find out if yours is one of them fairly easily.

So how do you find out if your insurance company will cover it and if you qualify for the procedure?

Call our office and ask to speak with one of our expert billing professionals! We can answer ALL of your insurance questions!

Another option available is visiting www.lapband.com. Once enrolled in My Lap Band Journey you’ll have access to an online tool that will do a preliminary screen to help you determine whether your insurance will cover the surgery. To check out the new insurance tool, please visit the LAP BAND(r) financing page.


What if they don’t cover it? What can you do then?

One option is to appeal your case. If your request for prior authorization for the LAP-BAND(r) System surgery is denied by your insurance company, you may have the opportunity for a limited number of appeals of this decision. The process varies according to the plan, so be sure to check your insurance company’s specific appeal policy. Generally, you can appeal if your denial is based on the following reasons: The LAP-BAND(r) System is investigational, The LAP-BAND(r) System is experimental, or the insurance company has no previous knowledge of the LAP-BAND(r) System. The LAP-BAND(r) website has several downloadable resources to help you with your appeal, including: a patient guide to insurance appeals and a sample letter of medical necessity. These documents can be found at the LAP BAND(r) resource center

Another option is to finance the procedure. If your doctor is a participant in the LAP-BAND(r) System Patient Finance Program, you are eligible to apply for CareCredit(r), which is the nation’s leading patient financing program. If your doctor is not a participant, he/she can easily enroll in this program by contacting his or her LAP-BAND(r) System Account Manager. CareCredit(r) provides a choice of convenient monthly payment plans designed to help patients pay for healthcare expenses not covered by insurance, including co-payments, deductibles, and elective treatment. Upon request and approval, CareCredit(r) can help cover medical fees. Patients can choose from two types of payment plans: Low-Interest Payment Plans or No-Interest Payment Plans. Learn more about the CareCredit(r) program for LAP-BAND(r) here.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment to see one of our surgeons, call our office at (516) 616-5500 or fill out our