Get Started

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Register today for Lutheran Hospital's bariatric surgery information session. Call (260) 435-7844.

Jump start your weight-loss journey by reviewing the steps below and completing at least Step 1 prior to your scheduled information session.

Step 1 - Verify insurance benefits

• Call your insurance company to verify your benefits for bariatric surgery.
• CPT codes for insurance:
  • Sleeve gastrectomy 43775
  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 43644
  • SADS 43775 and 44238
  • Duodenal switch 43845
• Verify that Lutheran Hospital is a preferred provider and is in-network.
• Ask your insurance company what criteria you must meet for approval. (ie: Do you have to complete a medically supervised weight-loss program? If so, for how long? Do you need a nutritional evaluation?)
• Ask your insurance company your deductible amount and/or out-of-pocket maximum.

Step 2 - Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity & Medical Evaluations

• Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from your primary care physician, internist or specialist. Send to: Lutheran Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program, 800 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, or fax to (260) 435-6906.
• Ask your primary care physician if you need the following:
  • Cardiac testing
  • Colonoscopy
  • Diabetic management
  • Mammogram
  • Pap smear
  • Pulmonary testing
  • Sleep study
  • Smoking cessation
  • Upper endoscopy

Step 3: Get a Psychological Evaluation

• If your insurance requires a psychological evaluation for bariatric surgery, ask if a mental health provider is available through your plan.
  • The psychological evaluation must be completed by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist.
  • If you are currently under psychiatric care, that physician may complete your psychological evaluation. If not, check with your insurance company to see if you have coverage with a specific group or licensed psychologist/psychiatrist/therapist.

Questions? Give us a call at (260) 435-7844.