Does Cigna cover weight loss surgery for weight loss procedures? It is a subject studied by many obese patients. This procedure is a serious step that some people consider. When traditional weight loss methods have not had the desired effect. What this operation will cost, whether the health insurance will pay for the operation. And what you need to consider after a successful stomach reduction. We will clarify all of these questions in a detailed interview with the cost check experts.
What is A Loss of Weight Surgery And When Is It Useful?
These people may face many difficulties in their daily lives. And now, when the limit is exceeded, the health of the person may be endangered. What can people who cannot afford financially do? If the conditions are met, they can get rid of costs by taking advantage of insurance coverage such as Cigna. If weight cannot be lost despite trying different methods, stomach surgeries will be the only solution here.
Does Cigna Cover Weight Loss Surgery
So that the health insurance company bears the costs of the operation, the BMI must be at least 40.
- One of the basics is the body mass index. This value must exceed 40, in exceptional cases 35.
- Consequential damage caused by being overweight has been attested. These include metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or joint diseases.
- Treatable diseases that can lead to obesity, such as an underactive thyroid, were excluded.
- There must be no aspects that speak against an operation. This could be pregnancy, drug or alcohol addiction, a serious mental illness or an important medical reason, for example.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages of The Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is one of the non-invasive methods of treating obesity. There are two variants:
- With the “swallowing balloon”, the patient swallows a capsule about three centimeters long with a tube at the end. The doctor uses this to fill the balloon with non-toxic inert gas.
- Other gastric balloons are placed in the stomach as part of gastroscopy and filled with saline solution.
The balloon now takes up a large part of the organ, so that you feel full faster. It can usually remain in the body for six to twelve months and must then be removed with the gastroscope.
With this variant of stomach reduction, it is important that the stomach lining is healthy. And has no inflammation or ulceration. Some patients suffer from nausea and vomiting after the placement and need a drip for the first few days. Otherwise, this procedure is relatively free of side effects.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages of The Gastric Band?
With a gastric band, the stomach can then absorb much less food. The gastric band is a silicone tube that is placed around the stomach. The band is filled with a saline solution via a port. And separates the upper part from the lower part in the form of a forestomach. This limits the volume of the organ and you can only ingest small amounts of food.
Even after the operation, the gastric band can be tightened or widened through the reservoir. For example, if you vomit because it is too tight, some fluid can be removed.
The stomach and digestive organs remain unchanged; the intervention can be reversed. Incomparable studies, however, gastric banding was less effective than other methods of stomach reduction. In addition, the tape can slip, grow in or tear.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages of Gastric Sleeve Treatment?
After this procedure, patients lose 15 to 25 percent of their weight in the first year. Since the gastric inlet and outlet remain closed, you can eat almost normally. After you have built up your diet, albeit in the smaller amounts you want.
However, gastric downsizing can have side effects. If there is too much food, there is a risk of heartburn and vomiting. The procedure itself is not always free of complications: The sutures can leak and another operation is necessary.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages of Gastric Bypass?
The food reaches the lower parts of the intestine almost directly through the stomach entrance. Due to the accelerated intestinal transit, the body absorbs fewer calories. But also fewer nutrients. So that there are no deficiencies, you have to take them in tablet form for life.
The technique is preferred for patients with diabetes, as the blood sugar levels subsequently improve significantly. However, it is a relatively large, not entirely risk-free procedure in which the seams can tear or burst.
Does Cigna Cover Weight Loss Surgery: If Yes, How Will My Life Change?
After the procedure, you will have to avoid certain foods for the first few weeks. So that the body can get used to the new conditions. That is why there are liquid foods (broth) on the days after the operation. Followed by soft foods such as mashed potatoes and yogurt.
After the procedure, nutritional advice is important. This will cause digestive problems like
- Heartburn,
- Nausea,
- Flatulence,
- Vomit
After the operation, you should switch to smaller portions.
Mostly it is necessary:
- Eat significantly smaller portions.
- Not to have any drinks besides eating.
Depending on the process, vitamins and nutrients are no longer utilized as well. Therefore it may be necessary to take food supplements for life. To protect against deficiency symptoms, blood tests and thorough medical monitoring are advisable.
There is also the risk that the body will also lose muscle mass in addition to fat. For this reason, it is recommended that people who have had a stomach reduction exercise regularly. And ensure that they have a good supply of protein.
What Are The Operational Risks?
The risks include:
- Injuries to the blood vessels with dangerous bleeding and secondary bleeding.
- Violation of neighboring organs.
- Wound healing complications.
- Wound infections.
- Leakage of seams and leakage of stomach contents into the abdomen. The consequence of this can be peritonitis.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Adhesions of the abdominal organs.
- Due to the sudden malnutrition, some patients feel weak after the operation. And convalescence takes a little longer.
Despite the possible side effects and risks, the positive aspects of stomach reduction outweigh the benefits for many patients. Blood pressure improves, and knee and foot problems often go away completely. Blood sugar also normalizes, so that medication is no longer necessary.
Does Cigna Cover Weight Loss Surgery with Every Policy?
Cigna does cover weight loss surgery, including but not limited to gastric bypass and lap band procedures. However, the amount of coverage depends on the individual plan, which will determine the answer to “does Cigna cover weight loss surgery with every policy they offer?” Depending on the individual policy, coverage may include pre-operative testing, hospitalization, and post-operative care.
Before any procedure is scheduled, it is important to check with your insurance carrier. Whether it is Aetna or Cigna, asking questions like “does Aetna cover weight loss surgery?” is needed in order to determine what type of coverage and out-of-pocket expenses are applicable for each patient. Understanding your policy and making sure that any necessary steps are taken beforehand can help to ensure that you receive maximum benefit from your insurance coverage.
By following these guidelines and working closely with your insurance provider you can maximize the potential for successful weight loss surgery outcomes. Ultimately, Cigna’s mission is to focus on providing comprehensive coverage and cost savings options so that patients have access to quality healthcare. Familiarize yourself with your policy details and get an answer to “does Cigna cover weight loss surgery with every policy?” in order to fully take advantage of all available benefits.
