Knowledge is power: Providing previsit insurance coverage information of body contouring procedures to improve understanding and satisfaction in the massive weight loss patient.

Abstract

Because of the prevalence of obesity worldwide, the rates of bariatric surgery are increasing. Bariatric surgery is covered by insurance; however, often, a surgery to correct massive weight loss surgeries is not covered despite patient perception. One hundred patients were identified by their initial visit to the institutional Life After Weight Loss center. Fifty of them were randomized into receiving previsit educational materials about their individual insurance plans. All the patients were surveyed to assess whether this education improved their understanding and overall consultation experience. Although a majority of patients believed "panniculectomy" would be covered by insurance, most subjects overestimated insurance coverage for other procedures. Nearly all respondents (93.8%) agreed that previsit educational material improved their understanding and the satisfaction of the visit. Many patients believe body contouring procedures to be covered by insurance, although most are not. By providing patients with their individualized insurance plans, patients report improved understanding and overall satisfaction with the consultation.