Dr. C --I'm sure you've seen this

New CPT codes for Lap Band ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Some potentially big news came out a couple of days ago. Lap Band now has its own CPT code from the AMA! As many of you know, the way a physician files for a service performed is by providing a CPT code to the insurance company. When a new service is 'invented' there is generally a several year lag period until a CPT code is assigned. Until that point the physician needs to use an 'unlisted procedure' code which has been the case until now for Lap Band. This creates problems for both the patient and the physician, since the insurance company can essentially say 'this procedure doesn't officially exist' and will assign any value to it that they wish, or just deny it. The new code is valid January 1, 2006 I am told. It is 43770. 43770 - Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric band (gastric band and subcutaneous port components). In our practice we will probably have people who were denied coverage for the Lap Band being 'investigational' or 'experimental' refile with their insurance company January 1st. However, the new CPT code will probably not help those who have an outright exclusion for morbid obesity surgery on their policy. Originally posted by: Dr. Ron Hekier, Texarkana Lap Band Surgeon ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you think the new code is going to speed up the approval process or make it worse? And you jinxed me on my last visit -- should've tweaked it a little, because now I'm eating everything that's not nailed down. See ya on 6/1. Rita Cahalane

Rita, how's Curves going? As soon as I hear about that then we'll talk about the fill!! It remains to be seen about the new CPT code, I think that and the combination that Medicare now recognizes the band will ultimately help but it will be a slow process. See you soon! C

What's up Dr C? I miss coming to see you. I don't know what to do with all of this extra time since I'm not driving to Cincy very often. Weight loss has slowed down - A LOT, almost stopped. But, I am building muscle and loosing inches. I am due to see you at the end of next month. Can't wait! Sharyn 307/180/148 old size: 30/32 - new size: 16/18

Hey Sharyn, There's plenty goin' on - just keep at it the weight loss can't continue as fast as it was forever. Focus on protein and exercise, keep the carbs down, and avoid high-calorie liquids. Those four things alone will take you a long long way! C

Thanks Doctor, I will take that advise as well !!!!! You need a Dayton Office !!!!