Posts Tagged baltimore area
Bariatric Clinics in Baltimore Offer Flexible Gastric Bypass Cost Options
Posted by in Weight Loss on July 29th, 2010
Are you struggling with obesity and the health problems it causes? Millions of people across the United States do, and many have strongly considered gastric bypass surgery. Many of these people, however, are hesitant to pursue this procedure fearing the costs will be too great. If you share this feeling, you can rest easy knowing that bariatric clinics in the Baltimore area offer payment options that meet your specific financial situation.
If you have insurance, your provider will require that you meet the criteria put forth by the National Institutes of Health. These include a body mass index of 40 or more (or 35 or more with a serious obesity-related ailment) and confirmation that you are physically able to undergo the procedure. Some insurance companies require further stipulations before providing coverage such as a minimum of five years of obesity as documented by a physician or a minimum of two years under a supervised diet.
Some insurers have multiple exclusions, restrictions and other conditions limiting coverage for gastric bypass, and some policies do not cover bariatric surgery at all. You should not let these discourage you, though. You can work with the bariatric clinic’s insurance specialist to obtain authorization for coverage. If a denial is made by the insurance company, the clinic can also assist you with the appeal process.
It is also possible to pay for your surgery on your own. Generally, gastric bypass costs around $20,000. Your bariatric clinic can provide you with financing options to make this price more affordable. Financing for bariatric surgery is quite similar to financing for an automobile and covers the total cost of surgery.
For all of those in the Baltimore area whose lives are limited by obesity, there is hope. The bariatric clinic’s top priority is to lead you to a fuller, healthier life through gastric bypass surgery. Do not let financial issues deter you from learning more about this effective treatment.
Andrew Averbach, MD, FACS, is a board-certified surgeon with over 30 years experience. He has performed over 1250 laparoscopic bariatric procedures, include gastric bypass surgery, without mortality and low morbidity. His weight loss practice is located in Cantonsville, MD and serves patients in the Baltimore and Washington, DC areas.
Article Source: Bariatric Clinics in Baltimore Offer Flexible Gastric Bypass Cost Options
Bariatric Clinics in Baltimore Ensure Patient Safety
Posted by in Weight Loss on April 23rd, 2010
Each year, more than 200,000 people undergo gastric bypass surgery in order to lose weight and alleviate obesity related ailments. In 2004, a panel of physicians and scientists with the National Institute of Health concluded that gastric bypass was the most effective method of treating morbid obesity. Thousands of patients in the Baltimore area have successfully achieved healthier weight levels and have experienced reductions or disappearances in symptoms linked to diabetes, hypertension and other conditions. There are many potential candidates for this surgery who are intrigued by these benefits, yet who still hesitate to consult a surgeon because they are concerned about the safety of the surgery. Those with reservations may be interested to learn that gastric bypass surgery is a procedure developed with patient safety in mind and that patients can take steps to ensure their own health before and after the surgery.
Gastric bypass surgery is performed to produce effective results, but not at the cost of a patient’s long term health. Life-threatening complications occur in less than 1% of people undergoing this procedure, and advances are being made constantly to reduce problems during and after surgery. With laparoscopic gastric bypass, the rate of complications (minor and serious) is about half the rate observed in the open incision version of the procedure. Preliminary assessments will determine if the patient can go through the surgery safely and what complications might occur.
One of the first steps a patient can take to ensure his or her own safety is to carefully consider the surgeon and bariatric clinic potentially providing the weight loss services. The surgeon’s experience, record of successes and complications and commitment to informing the patient should be taken into account. It is also worthwhile to check if the practice is recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
After the surgery, the attention to a patient’s health and safety just begins. Communicating with the surgeon, dietitian and other medical team members should be a top priority for someone who has just had gastric bypass surgery. The patient should adhere carefully to any instructions regarding medication, supplements and lifestyle changes suggested by the clinic’s staff. If any post-surgical complications arise, the patient should notify the clinic and seek proper attention.
There is no such thing as a routine operation, yet in the hands of an experienced surgeon and dedicated staff gastric bypass surgery can be performed safely and effectively. Innovations in medical training and technology have refined this type of surgery so that complications are dramatically reduced. Add to this a patient who is thoroughly committed to lifestyle change and communication, and the gratifying results of gastric bypass can be enjoyed over a long and healthy life.
Andrew Averbach, MD, FACS is a board-certified surgeon with over 30 years experience. He has performed over 1250 laparoscopic bariatric procedures without mortality and low morbidity. Dr. Averbach’s bariatric surgery practice is located near Baltimore, Maryland.
Article Source: Bariatric Clinics in Baltimore Ensure Patient Safety
