INSURANCE

Hi all,

I am new to this site! I am thinking of having the VGS. I have my first appointment in a couple of weeks, but I have hearing different things about seeing different doctors.

I am wondering after I see the surgeon, what other doctor's do I have to see? I have MVP insurance and am wondering if they have a certain amount you need to see.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

The only way to know for sure is to contact your insurance company. Every plan is different, even within the same insurance company, because employer's also put in their own requirements. You just have to find out what the requirements are for your specific plan. Good luck!

This is going to vary depending on your insurance plan. Every situation is different, so it's best to call and ask about your specific plan.

That said, you may need to work with the following:

• Bariatric surgeon - obviously
• Nutritionist or dietitian - some insurance companies require pre-op counseling or classes
• Cardiologist - in case you need cardiac clearance, EKG/stress test/etc.
• Pulmonologist/sleep specialist - if you have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea but your surgeon suspects it, you may need to have a sleep study done
• Psychologist/counselor/etc. - many insurance companies require a psychiatric evaluation prior to giving approval, to make sure you fully understand what you're getting into and you're emotionally ready for surgery
• Family doctor - some companies require referral from a primary care doctor. Your PCP may also be able to sign off on a required pre-op diet, if you need to do one.

YMMV!

I had to see a gastroenterologist because I needed to have an endoscopy after my barium swallow as they were concerned about the state of my esophagus.

When I started on this path my first step was the weight loss clinic and they had everything already mapped out for me ... which doctors they worked with and what hospital I would go to. Everyone worked with the same insurance companies and operated with the same hospital.

But here's my list of doctors and what they provided

My PCP ... letter of medical benefit and letter clearing me for surgery

Doctor that did the EGD, clinic picked him out

Doctor that did psych eval. clinic picked him out

Nutritionist (6 monthly visits) worked on site at the clinic

Pre-op appointment at the hospital where my surgery would take place. They did an EKG, took x-rays, ran blood work and urine test to get me cleared for the surgery. Both my PCP and my surgeon looked at these tests.