Weight loss surgery is often the last resort for people who have tried nearly everything possible to shed pounds. Even though weight loss surgery is recommended for people who are excessively overweight, many people who need the surgery are unable to pay for it. If you are someone who needs weight loss surgery but you do not have the cash to pay for the procedure, there are options to explore.
Instructions
Finance Surgical Weight Loss
1. Consult your local hospital or personal care physician regarding the fees associated with surgical weight loss. Fees often include inpatient charges for two- or three-day stays, laboratory fees, consultations and more. Knowing all services and their fees will make it easier for you to explore your financing options.
If your doctor is unsure of the hospital fees involved, visit your local hospital's registration office. In most cases, they have access to the fees associated with a standard surgical weight loss stay. Finding out this information in advance will help you avoid unexpected bills in the future.
2. Contact your insurance company to find out what fees or percentage of fees it is willing to cover. Most insurance companies will cover some of the expenses associated with surgical weight loss as long as the surgery is physician recommended. Use your list of services associated with your weight loss surgery and their fees when speaking with your insurance company to help ensure the information you receive is as accurate as possible.
If your insurance company requires you to pay a set percentage of your hospital stay, find out when and how that amount will need to be paid. Some hospitals will bill you, but many will require you to pay your co-payment before you are admitted.
3. If your insurance company denies your request for a surgical weight loss procedure, ask the company to review your request. It is not unusual for insurance companies to initially deny a claim based on a technicality and then approve it after an appeal is filed. In many cases, your physician will help you with the appeal process.
4. Talk to your doctor about patient financing. Many doctors' offices that perform weight loss surgeries offer financing for their patients. This financing is available to patients who do not have medical insurance or whose medical insurance company has decided to not cover the surgery.
Most financing options include interest rates that are determined by the patient's credit history and rating. If your physician does not offer financing, it is possible to obtain a loan from your bank or credit union to be used for your surgery expenses.
5. If you are unable to receive financing through a bank or get your insurance company to pay for your surgery, talk to your family and friends about your needs. Coworkers, family and close friends will usually be more inclined to extend personal loans or give you small cash gifts to help finance your surgery. The people who see you and spend time with you on a regular basis are going to be aware of how important your surgery is for you and your health.
