Obesity is a disease, and at Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery, it is treated as such. Understanding the multifaceted nature of weight loss, Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery provides an individualized weight loss plan based on a holistic approach - focusing on physical, mental, and social factors alike. The program is designed to offer the best surgical and non-surgical weight loss options in the South, combining skilled surgeons with a talented staff of bariatric specialists and patient care experts.
A Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery emphasizes a holistic approach, recognizing that weight loss is not just about physical changes but also involves mental and social well-being. This comprehensive strategy ensures that patients receive support in all aspects of their lives, addressing the root causes of obesity and promoting long-term success. The team treats each patient with dignity and respect, offering unwavering support throughout their weight loss journey.
Surgical Weight Loss Program
Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery has been performing safe and effective bariatric surgeries since the 1980s, earning a stellar reputation and cultivating strong relationships with insurance companies in the area. The bariatric surgery program combines highly skilled surgeons, experienced support personnel, and the most effective surgical procedures available today.
Insurance Coverage and Advocacy
Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery is likely part of your insurance network. Despite the volumes of medical data demonstrating the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery, health insurers remain generally resistant to providing coverage. The reasons for this are complex and not fully understood, resulting in spotty coverage for medically appropriate surgery. Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery is hopeful that additional data being gathered will encourage health insurers to improve coverage of medically necessary treatments like bariatric surgery.
In the meantime, patients are advised to be vocal and persistent in seeking insurance funding for the healthcare they need, often involving the HR department at their workplace. Contacting the health insurer directly and as early as possible in the surgical preparation process is crucial. As a health insurance customer, you have the right to require information and service from the company. If told that bariatric surgery is not covered, don’t be discouraged, as erroneous information may be conveyed if questions are not posed precisely. If you have attended the informational seminar and are interested in pursuing surgery, the staff will assist in obtaining insurance approval.
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For insured patients, Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery will bill the insurance company directly. However, most patients are responsible for co-payments at the time of the initial consultation and for deposits prior to surgery.
Employer Involvement
Employers who invest in the long-term health and functionality of their workforce should consider including a bariatric surgery benefit as a favorable move for their company. Patients may be able to influence an employer’s benefit plan by working with the benefits department to include treatment for morbid obesity.
Cash Pay Options
For patients without insurance coverage who wish to utilize the “self or cash pay” option, Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery and some of the hospitals they work with have created a single lump-sum, fixed-fee schedule for bariatric surgery. The rates for the facilities change with some regularity.
Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program
For those unwilling or unable to undergo medical procedures, the medically supervised weight loss program may be the right choice. Overseen by Dr. Benjamin Doga, this program helps individuals make realistic dietary changes under the continuous guidance of a physician, dietician, and support staff. The goal is to help patients safely lose weight and maintain it by learning new food choices and habits.
The medically supervised program is based at Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery, located at Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, with scheduled visits every Tuesday. Dr. Doga will evaluate patients to determine the best options, which may include meal replacement and/or pharmaceuticals to help suppress appetite. Participants can choose a three-month, six-month, or one-year plan, receiving constant support from experienced professionals throughout the program. The support staff also works with LGMC Wellness at the Townhouse fitness center for exercise, training regimens, and fitness routines.
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The Team
Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery offers a multidisciplinary team of bariatric specialists dedicated to helping patients lose weight. The team takes a holistic approach that focuses on the whole body - physically, mentally, and socially. The team truly cares about patients and understands the challenges they will face during their weight loss journey. The multidisciplinary program was created to help alleviate morbid obesity - a debilitating disease that threatens the health and well-being of those who suffer from it. The team includes three bariatric surgeons: Dr. Philip Gachassin, Dr. Dennis Eschete, and Dr. Robert Autin, as well as Dr. Benjamin Doga, who oversees the non-surgical weight loss program. The entire team is committed to helping each patient change their lives for the better through weight loss, improved nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments.
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