Billing and Insurance

There are many people recommended for treatment of obesity, but their health insurance neither covers nor reimburses those services. Many of these patients are in dire need of controlling their weight and choose to self pay. Surprisingly, the cost of paying for an operation is frequently less than the cost of paying for the cost of a patient’s obesity and related illnesses. We have experts available and willing to counsel should this become necessary. Denial of insurance coverage for obesity treatment is difficult to understand--most insurance companies will pay for treating conditions caused by obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, yet they will not pay for an operation that can frequently cure the disease itself!

Why should I consider self pay?

Some patients who either don't have surgical weight loss coverage or have too many insurance hurdles to jump through choose to self pay for the operation. The advantages of this are 1) You can choose to have surgery when you want, as there is no waiting game, 2) The money you spend is tax-deductible, which can save you thousands of dollars on your return, and 3) The money you will save on reduced food and medication expenditures may be greater the payment on your operation.

Our Affordability Calculator can help you visualize how advantageous weight loss surgery can be for you.

The main difference after surgery is that you are investing in a procedure that is making you healthier and will make you live longer, instead of wasting money on things that are detrimental to your health. We have experts on-hand that can assist you in making this decision and finding the appropriate financing to fit your needs.

It is important to note that expenditures related to the treatment of obesity are tax-deductible, which can save a typical patient thousands of dollars on the current year's return.

1.  CareCredit Financing

Allergan (the manufacturer of the band) has an excellent program available to qualified applicants through CareCredit with an 60 month term that can make the payment very affordable. CareCredit can be used to finance any surgery, or even smaller amounts for program fees.  We can assist you with the application process.  You can fill out a simple application at www.CareCredit.com

2.  SurgeryLoans.com

Many of our patients have used this online source for financing.  Just go to www.SurgeryLoans.com and you can fill out a simple online application.

3.  Local Lender/Home Equity

If you have equity in your house and a good relationship with a local lender, you can arrange financing this way.  The interest on the loan may be tax deductible with this route.

We suggest you investigate all routes to find out which will get you the best rate and payment plan.