Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
Medical clearance within six months by the member’s PCP if no current cardiac or pulmonary comorbidities; if cardiac or pulmonary comorbidities present, clearance by a cardiologist and/or pulmonologist is required.
Nutritional evaluation within six months by a qualified provider (physician, physician assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or registered dietitian).
Age-appropriate psychiatry/psychology consultation within six months stating the member is a good candidate for bariatric surgery and that any mental health disorders are adequately managed.
Clinical documentation of the complication necessitating corrective surgery (e.g., operative notes, imaging, endoscopy confirming obstruction or strictures).
Key Coverage Criteria
Hypertension that has not improved despite nonsurgical weight loss methods.
Dyslipidemia that has not improved despite nonsurgical weight loss methods.
Obstructive sleep apnea that has not improved despite nonsurgical weight loss methods.
Surgical intervention should be considered only after documented failure of reasonable nonsurgical treatments.
Bariatric surgery (LAGB, LSG, laparoscopic RYGB, BPD-DS/BPD-GRDS) is medically necessary when all criteria in sections A and B are met.
Adults age ≥18 with BMI ≥32.5 kg/m² (South Asian, Southeast Asian, East Asian) or ≥35 kg/m² (all other ethnicities) when requesting LAGB, LSG, laparoscopic RYGB, or BPD-DS/BPD-GRDS.
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.
Objective evidence that the primary procedure failed due to gastric pouch dilation (e.g., imaging or endoscopic measurements, clinical assessments).
Documentation demonstrating that the member meets all criteria for the initial bariatric procedure again (per the policy's initial bariatric criteria).