As of April 9, 2010, Aetna has changed its position on reimbursement for sleeve gastrectomy and will now cover the procedure. This coverage will be the same as other bariatric surgery procedures covered by Aetna. Per the official Aetna coverage policy, “Aetna considers open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), open or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, open or laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal witch (DS), or laparoscopic silicone gastric banding (LASGB) medically necessary when the selection criteria are met.” (Selection criteria are detailed in the policy-0157). This policy has the potential to impact over 18 million lives covered by Aetna.

If you have Aetna health insurance or are interested in learning more about insurance coverage for bariatric surgery The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana can help. Join us for a free seminar or take a weight loss quiz to help you get started.