Insurance-Mandated Weight Management Programs Provide No Long-Term Benefit

New study shows insurance requirement may unnecessarily delay surgery, diminish results.

According to a recent study, researchers suggest insurance-mandated weight management program completion prior to bariatric surgery in New Jersey does not result in short or long-term clinical benefit and should be abandoned.

Many insurance companies in New Jersey require patients to undergo a weight management program before being approved for weight loss surgery, because they believe that participation in a weight management program before surgery results in patients with fewer complications, better health outcomes and decreased healthcare costs.

With different requirements for each insurance company, the process can be daunting to patients seeking approval for bariatric surgery. Weight management program requirements are different among insurers. Some insurance companies require patients to complete a simple program. Some insurance companies expect patients to maintain their weight within a defined period while others may deny authorization for surgery if patients gain or even lose weight. The length of these programs often range from 3 to 12 months.

“Some insurance companies are discontinuing their weight management mandates, but many others still adhere to the unfounded assumption that mandated completion of a weight management program prior to bariatric surgery improves outcomes. There is clearly no scientific basis to warrant this assumption and the practice needs to stop.” said bariatric surgeon Alexander Abkin, MD, FACS, FASMBS.

To learn more about Bariatric Surgery in New Jersey, call 973-410-9700 or click here.