Who Qualifies for Surgery
A number of guidelines are used to determine whether a patient will be accepted for the Duodenal Switch Procedure.
These include the following:
- Body Mass Index above 40, or above 35 with co-morbidity such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
- Smokers must quit smoking at least 6 weeks prior to the surgery and promise to remain a non-smoker following the surgery.
- Individual must be able to fully understand the risks and hazards of surgery, short- and long-term complications either possible or anticipated, and how the mechanics of the surgical procedure result in post-operative weight loss.
- Individual must undergo subjective evaluation by attending the physicians and surgeon.
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Consultations Required
After the basic criteria have been met and the initial examination has been completed, additional consultations are often requested with other physicians. These will be for the purpose of verifying the patient's physical and emotional status prior to the surgical procedure. Certain patients may need to be seen by an endocrinologist, cardiovascular, or respiratory specialist if problems in these areas are suspected. Laboratory and other studies may be obtained as required. Hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, gallstones, gout, and other health problems do not rule out surgery. They may be considered to be additional reasons in favor of the surgery since improvements in these conditions often occur as a result of weight loss
Insurance
Most health insurance companies cover part of the cost of this surgical procedure. Information is sent to the patient's insurance carrier, including code numbers and other pertinent data, to assist in the pre-authorization process.
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