Question:
If your insurance does cover the operation?

If your ins does cover the operation do they also cover the pre-op lab work as well? If I get the mini gastric bypass I will have to have my general doctor here do alot of the blood work and other pre-op stuff so I was wondering if ins usually pays for all that or not. And I know every insurance is different but I was just wondering what everyone elses experiences have been like. Thanks. 260lbs, 28yrs old, 5'3    — julsfine (posted on February 7, 2007)

February 7, 2007
Your insurance usually covers all lab work, at least mine did.
   — Sheri A.

February 7, 2007
Like you, my insurance requires me to do all lab work / x-rays / pre-op through my primary care doctor. The insurance covered all of my pre-op both through my medical group/primary care doctor and the blood type and cross at the hospital. Good luck with your journey! Mine begins 2/15 - RNY. 35 yrs. old/262lbs./5'7"
   — jammerz

February 7, 2007
Mine did as well. You shouldn't have any problems. I kept getting a bill from this one lab because the insurance company or the lab used the wrong code that indicated my insurance company didn't cover WLS. I finally called the insurance company to see what was going on and she stated that its not covered because the WLS is not covered, I informed her she was mistaken because I'd already been approved for the surgery and she looked further and found the mistake.
   — the7thdean

February 7, 2007
Julie, you are right that every insurance is different, but if they approve a surgery, they also have to approve the support for the surgery. They can't say you can have surgery but not check you out to be sure you are healthy enough for that risk. Call your insurance and verify, no one here can say with absolute truth what your carrier will do. Be sure you know about co payments and what will be expected of you. Many insurances will only pay 80 or 90 percent, and the other will be up to you. Know up front, and start saving now so you can take care of it. It will be much less stress on you later when you need less stress! Preparation is the key, know your stuff and be prepared! Take care. Patricia P
   — Patricia P

February 8, 2007
My insurance covered my pre-op lab work. My insurance requires you to have the pre-op work done.
   — barfiep01

February 10, 2007
I really believe that it is up to your insurance company and what is covered under your policy ,because my insurance covered everything accept my co pay..
   — aatoton1

February 12, 2007
If they cover the surgery, it includes the lab work done for the surgery.
   — Novashannon