Medical device makers are lobbying the U.S. government and private insurance companies to cover weight-loss surgery, according to a Reuter's report.
The most vocal of the companies is Allergan, the maker of the LapBand cuff used in gastric banding. Critics argue the risk of complications is high and the procedures don't change underlying behavior, but Allergan argues the benefits are not well understood by policymakers. Some insurance companies are already changing their policies.
The Midwest Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan and the Health Alliance Medical Plan in Southern Illinois and Iowa removed the requirement that patients must first try and fail to lose weight under physician supervision before undergoing weight-loss surgery.
Related Article on Weight-Loss Surgery:
Is Your Center Ready for Bariatric Patients? A Checklist from Drs. Scott Cunneen and Peter LePort
Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score Predicts Risk From Bariatric Surgery
7 Points on Natural Orifice Bariatric Surgery in the ASC From Dr. Todd McCarty of Lakewood Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic
The most vocal of the companies is Allergan, the maker of the LapBand cuff used in gastric banding. Critics argue the risk of complications is high and the procedures don't change underlying behavior, but Allergan argues the benefits are not well understood by policymakers. Some insurance companies are already changing their policies.
The Midwest Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan and the Health Alliance Medical Plan in Southern Illinois and Iowa removed the requirement that patients must first try and fail to lose weight under physician supervision before undergoing weight-loss surgery.
Related Article on Weight-Loss Surgery:
Is Your Center Ready for Bariatric Patients? A Checklist from Drs. Scott Cunneen and Peter LePort
Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score Predicts Risk From Bariatric Surgery
7 Points on Natural Orifice Bariatric Surgery in the ASC From Dr. Todd McCarty of Lakewood Weight Loss & Wellness Clinic