Thursday July 29, 2010

LAP-BAND Cost

Millions of Americans are affected by the disease of obesity, a medical condition that affects health and quality of life. Obesity is a very difficult and expensive disease to treat and non-surgical methods of weight loss are often ineffective and temporary. While weight loss surgery is a drastic measure, it is the only proven method that results in durable weight loss.

One of the most popular surgical treatments for obesity is the LAP-BAND, a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding system that uses a surgically implanted medical device to control hunger sensations and restrict food portions in order to assist with weight loss. The procedure has helped hundreds of thousands of people lose weight safely and effectively, enabling them to improve health and quality of life.

While the decision to have LAP-BAND surgery is an important health consideration, it is a significant financial consideration as well. If you are medically qualified for LAP-BAND surgery and emotionally ready to change your lifestyle, the next step is to consider your payment options for covering the cost of the procedure and aftercare.

The Cost of LAP-BAND Surgery

The cost of LAP-BAND surgery in the United States typically ranges from $12,000 to $25,000, which covers the cost of the medical facility, bariatric surgeon, and anesthesiologist. Follow-up visits for the first year and beyond, a necessary part of treatment, can range from $35 to $200, depending on the type of visit.

With such a wide range in cost, it is easy to see that differences exist. The actual cost of your LAP-BAND treatment will depend on a combination of factors that can vary from patient to patient.

The primary factors affecting the cost of LAP-BAND surgery:

• Geographic location
• Bariatric surgeon
• Medical facility
• Level of care

Geographic location - procedures on the West Coast and in the Northeast tend to cost more then in the Central and Southern states where there is less demand.

Bariatric surgeon - the better trained, more experienced, and more highly skilled board-certified bariatric surgeons usually cost more, but they also increase your chances of higher quality care and reduce the risk of complications.

Medical facility - procedures performed in hospitals tend to cost more than in outpatient facilities; outpatient facilities do not typically impact quality of care, but make sure to verify accreditation; also, medical facilities that are designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE) tend to cost more, but the designation indicates a medical facility that meets acceptable standards of quality and patient safety.

Level of care - the cost will greatly be determined by the level of care, including pre-op testing, follow-up medical visits, aftercare support (exercise program, diet and nutrition counseling, behavioral health), fills and adjustments; bariatric programs that do not offer a high level of quality care may cost less, but weight loss success is greatly increased by participating in multi-disciplinary bariatric programs that offer a full level of care and support throughout the bariatric process.