Get Started on Your Journey
Take the First Step!
You can start right now by completing our Surgical Weight Loss Questionnaire online. Or if you prefer, just give us a call at (828) 327-9178.
What Happens Next?
- Patients who enter the program will be given a packet with more information, and a more detailed history will be obtained
- All patients must attend one of the 2-hour Surgical Weight Loss Education classes
- All patients must undergo psychological evaluation
- Patients are then scheduled for individual evaluation and examination with the surgeon*
- Based on individual assessment, the surgeon may decide to obtain consultation with other medical specialties before surgery
- All necessary documentation is submitted for insurance approval
- Surgery usually is scheduled within 2-6 weeks after seeing the surgeon
Will my insurance pay for my operation?
Once a person has been identified as an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery, then other documentation may be required by your insurance company, such as:- Letter of referral from doctor
- Five (5) years of medical documentation
- Documented weights
- Documented weight-related health problems (if present)
- Documented participation in a professionally supervised diet program within the last 12 months
- Recent thyroid panel (within the last 12 months)
- Psychological evaluation (required for all patients)
Please note that although the procedure may be covered by your insurance, some insurance company reimbursement rates do not cover our costs and are therefore not accepted by our office. As of October 2003 we will no longer accept Medicaid for weight loss surgery.
For further details, call the Hickory Surgical Clinic at (828) 327-9178
