Insurance Approval Checklist

Meet with Dr. Bao Nasri

• ☐Review your medical history
• ☐Discuss your weight-loss goals
• ☐Determine if bariatric surgery is right for you
• ☐Review available surgical options
• ☐Begin your bariatric surgery workup

This is usually the longest step. Many commercial insurance plans require monthly supervised nutrition visits before bariatric surgery. During this time you may:

• ☐Complete nutrition counseling visits
• ☐Learn healthy eating habits
• ☐Begin lifestyle changes
• ☐Meet insurance requirements

The number of required visits depends on your insurance plan. Many patients complete this step in approximately three months.

While completing your nutrition visits, you may also need:

• ☐Laboratory testing
• ☐Upper endoscopy (EGD)
• ☐Sleep study
• ☐Medical clearance from your primary care provider
• ☐Cardiology or pulmonary clearance, if medically indicated
• ☐Additional testing based on your medical history

Completing these evaluations while attending nutrition visits can help avoid delays.

Once all required evaluations and insurance requirements have been completed, our office will submit your records for insurance authorization. This typically includes:

• ☐Surgeon's evaluation
• ☐Nutrition documentation
• ☐Medical clearances
• ☐Laboratory results
• ☐Supporting medical records
• ☐Insurance authorization request

Insurance approval typically takes at least two weeks, although some plans may take longer depending on the review process.

After insurance approval:

• ☐Schedule your surgery
• ☐Attend your preoperative appointment
• ☐Review medications and preoperative instructions
• ☐Begin your preoperative diet
• ☐Complete any final testing
• ☐Prepare for surgery day