What's after your EGD?

chikesweightlossjourney · January 26, 2015

Hello Bariatric fam! So far I've had my first consultation which went well. I've met with my nutritionist, had chest x-rays performed, had an ekg, had blood drawn and I've even had a EGD recently performed. What's usually scheduled after your EGD? After having it, does that necessarily mean that you were approved for the procedure? My EGD came along with a $1500 deductible. So I'm guessing my surgery was approved, otherwise I've basically paid my deductible for nothing. . . . Can anyone else relate to this or have had a similar situation. I'm trying to be patient. Also, my post-op appointment from the EGD that was performed is scheduled for the 29th.

Sharon1964 · January 26, 2015

Hello Bariatric fam! So far I've had my first consultation which went well. I've met with my nutritionist, had chest x-rays performed, had an ekg, had blood drawn and I've even had a EGD recently performed. What's usually scheduled after your EGD? After having it, does that necessarily mean that you were approved for the procedure? My EGD came along with a $1500 deductible. So I'm guessing my surgery was approved, otherwise I've basically paid my deductible for nothing. . . . Can anyone else relate to this or have had a similar situation. I'm trying to be patient. Also, my post-op appointment from the EGD that was performed is scheduled for the 29th.

Sorry to disappoint, but no, having the EGD and spending money doesn't mean you are approved.

Call your insurance company (look for the member services number on your insurance card) and ask them what their requirements are for weight loss surgery.

One thing I didn't see on your list which is a requirement for many insurances (or your surgeon if your insurance doesn't require it) is a psych eval.

chubbsey1 · January 26, 2015

I had to go for a cardiac stress test/echocardiogram but I have heart issues, also next week I go for my hospitals own pre-surgery testing. Good luck and check with your insurance coordinator for the steps you need to take for your particular Dr. it's usually a multi-step process.

BLERDgirl · January 26, 2015

@@Sharon1964 - It varies depending on insurance and/or program requirements. I didn't have to have a EGD. I had an upper GI test instead. Sadly your deductible for the test was just that, for the test. It does not guarantee that you will be approved.

You should have received a list of pre-op testing that would be required for surgery. If you have not, you should request it from whomever is coordinating your insurance request and/or call your insurance company and ask. I had to have 3 appointments with my bariatric team, attend 1 support group meeting, psych eval, a nutrition class, chest xray, upper GI, Pulmonary function test, a sleep study and bloodwork. Additionally my doctor opted to have an IVC filter put in as a precaution against bloodclots. This required an ultra sound of my legs and an appointment with the vascular surgeon.

Edited January 26, 2015 by BLERDgirl

chikesweightlossjourney · January 26, 2015