Tel: 304. 388. 4965
Fax: 304. 388. 4968

Dear Prospective Patients:

 


Thank you for your participation in CAMC Weight Loss Center Online Educational Seminar.  Your initial surgical consultation can be scheduled after you completed the Online seminar.  Obtaining the approval from your insurance company can be lengthy. CAMC Weight Loss Center will assist you in this process to provide the insurance coverage for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or the LAP-BAND System. However, your participation is essential.  Here are some of the steps you will need to take: 

 
  • Review your insurance policy          Check the “Exclusion of Coverage” or “Certificate of Coverage” section for mention of a specific weight loss surgery option.   
  • Fill out consent form          If your insurance company requires prior authorization, you will need to fill out a consent form allowing your doctor’s office to release information about your condition to your insurance company.
  • Complete the Patient Worksheet          Fill out the information on the Patient Packet to assist CAMC Weight Loss Center in the submission process. A detailed list—supported by appropriate documentation—of the specific weight loss efforts you have tried and failed in the past 5 years (or more) is necessary to show that you have been unable to achieve long-term weight loss without surgery. 
  • Letter of referral from your physician          This letter should include your height, weight, body mass index, health problems you may have that are related to obesity, and medications or treatments you have received for those conditions.                                                               
Currently, it is mandatory by your insurance companies that we submit your diet or non-surgical weight loss history to obtain necessary  approval for your weight loss surgery.  We cannot gather, copy, or organize these for you!  Get copies of your medical records from your primary care physician and any other healthcare professionals who have treated your obesity and its related medical conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, asthma, joint problems, etc).

If you have undergone medically supervised weight loss programs in the past, please obtain copies of those records.  If you have never been on a medically supervised diet or weight loss program, begin one now (while you are waiting for the insurance approval).  Be sure to keep copies of your medical records. 

Currently, most of insurance companies require at least 6 months "Medically supervised diet or weight loss program" within the last 2 years.  Your physician must document the followings on monthly basis:

  • you diet plan
  • your weight
  • dietary consultation if necessary or required by your insurance plan
  • recommendation of life-style modification
  • exercise recommendation

If you have PEIA or Accordia via PEIA, they require 12 months trial within the last 2 years.

If you wish CAMC Weight Loss Center to assist you with medically supervised weight loss program, we do offer  comprehensive and multidisciplinary medical weight loss program.  Please call us at (304) 388-4965 to find out more.