Need Surgeon

Yes, Medicare covers the DS!

Here are the Medicare guidelines and what they cover:

The following criteria must be met in order for Medicare to cover your weight loss surgery:

• BMI (body mass index) of 35 or greater – What’s your BMI?
• At least one co-morbidity – This is a serious illness directly related to your obesity.
  • i.e. sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
• You must have documented evidence that you’ve been obese for the last 5 years.
• Documented participation in a medically supervised weight loss program. Typically, you must show that you have participated and failed more than one program.
• A letter from your physician recommending or supporting weight loss surgery.
• Passed a psychological evaluation.
• All other treatable medical diseases have been ruled out as a possible cause for your obesity. Adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid screening tests have been completed and are normal.

Types of weight loss surgeries covered by Medicare

The following procedures are currently covered by Medicare:

1. Gastric Bypass
2. Lap Band or Realize Band Surgery
3. Duodenal Switch
4. Sleeve Gastrectomy is covered on a regional basis – have a local bariatric surgeons office check for you or call your local Medicare administrator’s office.