Getting approved BMI 41 no comorbidities, letter of medical necessity

[Wendydarling19 310]

First consult today, went well but I am a bit confused. I know that requirement it to have a BMI of 40 or greater with no comorbidities but how in the world can you prove medical necessity if no comorbidities exist? Also, I have no current PCP as mine previous provider is no longer in practice. This is going to be the most difficult part for me of the process. Any thoughts?

[Corridor72 518]

Those are the guidelines. Actually, if I'm not mistaking, the FDA approval for use of the lapband device states that a patient should have a BMI of 35 or above with at least 1 comorbity or 40 and above with no comorbidities. The reason is that with a BMI of 40 or above, your risk of developing those diseases increases significantly. I'm on my phone instead of my computer or I would look up the FDA recommendations for lapband and post the link. You might search this site to see if you come up with something because I THINK I have seen something like that posted here before.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Countrysweet is correct, the standard is a BMI of 35 with two or more comorbidities or a BMI of 40 with no comorbidities.

If I were you, I'd talk to your surgeon's office. They may have a specific doctor they use for situations like yours.

[Sharpie 3,306]

Yes I was approved by Medicare and BC with a bmi of 38.9 with 2 comorbidities.. diabetes type 2 and high blood pressure.. Like Missy says contact your bariatric center and see if they can recommend a PCP for you...