A message regarding potential network disruption for patients with Aetna insurance.
Bariatrics Patient Pathway
What will YOU gain by losing?
We know that committing to having weight loss surgery is a big decision. Our team believes the best way to make the right decision for you is through education and partnership with your surgeon. The first step in your journey is to view a free online seminar. The seminar is a way for you to learn more about the procedure, hear from our care team, and hear success stories from people that have faced similar challenges.
Insurance reimbursement for bariatric surgery varies by each health insurance policy. After viewing the online seminar, submit your contact information and insurance information in the patient portal. Our access nurses will contact you to discuss coverage.
Requesting a consultation for bariatric surgery shouldn’t involve any extra hurdles, and at the Baptist Health Bariatric Center, we’ve made it easier than ever before. Just follow these simple steps to get started:
- From our website, submit your contact information.
- After you fill out the form, you will receive an email with a “What to Expect” video, and a link to a patient questionnaire in MyChart.
- Once you have completed the video and patient questionnaire, you will be contacted by the Baptist Health Bariatric Center to schedule a consultation.*
(*If you are not familiar with MyChart, click on the last link in the email to help you through the process of setting up your account and completing the questionnaire.)
Our team will contact you to schedule a consultation to discuss surgical options and plan your pathway to success. During the first consultation:
- Review and discuss your health history.
- Learn about the bariatric surgical options, and it will help you decide which one is right for you.
After your consultation, you will work closely with an Access Nurse who will guide you through the pre-surgery pathway. They will help ensure you meet all requirements based on your surgeon’s recommendations and health insurance requirements.
- Preparing for surgery includes:
- Surgeon evaluation
- Dietitian evaluation and classes
- Clearances from cardiac, pulmonary, diabetes, and other specialties if needed
- Behavioral evaluation
- Additional authorizations deemed necessary by the physician
The Access Nurses are knowledgeable in the process and have experience working with insurance companies. Most of all, they are there to provide valuable support where needed. Your Access Nurses will assist in every step in your exciting new journey.
Surgical Weight Loss Options Surgery is the culmination of steps you will take beforehand and only a stepping-stone to the steps you will take for a lifetime after. Baptist Health Bariatric Center offers the latest and safest surgical weight loss surgery options:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery involves the surgical division and removal of approximately 80-85% of the stomach.
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Gastric bypass surgery involves dividing the stomach to create a gastric pouch and surgically connecting the small intestine to the pouch.
- Revisions of previous weight loss surgeries
Many changes will occur after surgery and the care team at Baptist Health will be with you throughout your journey. Your surgeon will decide, based on your progress, when you are ready to leave the hospital. Most patients spend one night in the hospital following surgery. We will equip you with tools and resources once you are home.
You will regularly see a dietitian in the months following your surgery. The dietitian will remain part of your team as you change your lifestyle habits and maintain those healthy eating habits after surgery.
The courage you had to take the first step will guide you to your success, and our team will be right by your side.
Ingredients for Success
- Commitment
- Support
One key to success includes your commitment to regularly taking vitamins and supplements, eating healthy, exercising, and attending all follow-up visits. We will provide you with a dietary guide to follow before and after surgery.
Support is another key to success. The best support can be from others that have been in similar situations. We offer an online support group to help you throughout your weight loss journey. Medical professionals lead our bariatric support group.
