Get Started on your Bariatric Journey

• Verify your bariatric benefits with your insurance company.
• Verify that Lutheran Hospital is a preferred provider and is in-network.
• Ask your insurance company what criteria you must meet for approval.
• Do you need to complete a medically supervised weight-loss program?
• Do you need a nutritional evaluation?
• Do you need to get any drug screens?
• What supporting documentation is needed?
• Ask your insurance company your deductible amount and/or out-of-pocket maximum.
• Remember to register for an informational seminar after you've verified your insurance. This is a required step. Call (260) 435-7844 to register.

• Obtain a letter of medical necessity and discuss requirements in step three with your primary care physician or specialist.
• Send to - Lutheran Bariatric Center, 7970 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804 or fax to (260) 435-6906

Once you have verified your bariatric health benefit, proceed with these next steps:

• Sleep study
• If you have sleep apnea and are using a CPAP or BiPAP machine, please provide the sleep test record with your machine's settings.
• Colonoscopy
• A cancer screening colonoscopy or other forms of screening is highly recommended. Beginning at age 50, it is recommended that both men and women have a colonoscopy screening. Some specialty organizations recommend beginning colonoscopy screenings at age 45. Colonoscopies will need to be repeated in 3-5 years if polyps or other issues were found.
• Cardiac testing
• Let your cardiologist or primary care provider know that you will be having bariatric surgery. Inquire if you need any further cardiac testing to proceed with surgery.
• Pap smear and mammogram
• Are you up-to-date on your pap smear and screening mammogram based on your provider's recommendations? If not, please have the tests completed.
• Other medical conditions
• Acid Reflux - If you have acid reflux that requires medication, an upper endoscopy is required. If more than a year has passed since your last endoscopy, it may need to be repeated.
• Diabetes - Consult with your physician to ensure that your diabetes is in control with an A1C of 9 or less.
• Other conditions - If you are seeing any other specialist like a nephrologist or pulmonologist, you may need to be cleared for surgery by these providers. Inquire if you need any further testing to proceed with surgery.

Schedule a psychological evaluation with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist if required by your insurance company. Check with your insurance company to determine if a mental health provider is available through your plan.