ESA Central Jersey Bariatrics, LLC

Why should I consider self pay?

Some patients who either don't have surgical weight loss coverage or have too many insurance hurdles to jump through choose to self pay for the operation. The advantages of this are 1) You can choose to have surgery when you want, as there is no waiting game and 2) The money you spend is tax-deductible, which can save you thousands of dollars on your return.

The main difference after surgery is that you are investing in a procedure that is making you healthier and will make you live longer, instead of wasting money on things that are detrimental to your health. We have experts on-hand that can assist you in making this decision and finding the appropriate financing to fit your needs.

It is important to note that expenditures related to the treatment of obesity are tax-deductible, which can save a typical patient thousands of dollars on the current year's return.

What kind of financial option do you offer?
Our center offers financial option through Inamed Financing.  Inamed (the manufacturer of the band) has an excellent program available to qualified applicants.  You can apply by calling 1-877-LAP BAND (option 4).

Will my insurance cover surgery?
This is an important issue that you will need to investigate.  It is entirely employer driven, in otherwords the company you work for who provides the insurance decides whether or not you have surgical weight loss benefits.  You will need to call yourself to find this out, although there are many employers in town who we know definitely provide coverage.

What do I need to ask to determine if I have benefits?
You will need to call your benefit administrator (the number is usually listed on the back of your card) and ask them if you have surgical weight loss benefits.  Specifically, if you have coverage for laparoscopic gastric banding (CPT code 43770) or laparoscopic gastric bypass (CPT code 43644).

I don't have surgical weight loss benefits but my family doctor said he would write me a letter will that work?
No.  This is one of the most frequent questions we get asked!  If you have a policy exclusion this means that your insurance will not cover surgical weight loss even if the president of the United States writes you a letter.  Your insurance company is not saying you don't need the operation, they are saying that your policy does not provide benefits to cover it, just as your fire insurance policy will not cover flood damage.

Is Dr. Washington in-network with my insurance?
Again this is an important question to ask while on the phone.  We are in network with most, but not all, plans.  Our practice name is Central Jersey Bariatrics, LLC.  You will also want to find out if Centra State Hospital and Bayshore Community Hospital are in network.  If we are not in network, you may have out-of-network benefits so be sure to ask this as well!

Will my band adjustments be covered after surgery?
If your band was covered by your insurance, typically adjustments are as well.  These are billed as an office visit and office procedure.  The CPT code for a band adjustment is S2083.

Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
Currently no.

If you have any other insurance related inquiries, feel free to contact our office at (732) 761-1740.