Bariatric Surgery in Arkansas
When considering your options for surgery or preparing for the surgery date, you already know that weight loss surgery can change your life’s trajectory.
Bariatric surgery can increase your life expectancy by about nine years for those with diabetes and five years for those without diabetes.
However, bariatric surgery can be very costly. If you live in Arkansas and are considering the cost of Bariatric surgery, here’s a breakdown to help you.
Cost of Bariatric Surgery in Arkansas
Bariatric Surgeon | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass | Gastric Balloon | Gastric Banding Removal |
---|---|---|---|---|
John Webb, M.D. | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
Dr. Toby Broussard | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
Dr. Eric Paul | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
Dr. Yong S. Kwon | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
Dr. Mark J. Perna, M.D. | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
Average Cost of Bariatric Surgery in the USA
The average cost of bariatric surgery in the USA can vary widely. According to a 2023 article on Money.com, the cost generally ranges from around $7,500 to more than $30,000 before insurance, with the more complex surgeries being more expensive.
Another source, usenourish.com, states that the average cost of bariatric surgery in the U.S. is between $17,000 and $26,000, with specific procedure prices ranging from $9,500 to $20,150 for self-pay options at different healthcare facilities.
A systematic literature review of published cost analyses found that the mean total procedural costs for bariatric surgery across multiple studies were US$14,389, with costs ranging from US$7,423 to US$33,541.
These figures demonstrate the significant variability in the cost of bariatric surgery in the USA.
What Does the Cost Usually Include?
The cost of bariatric surgery in Arkansas typically includes the surgeon’s fees, hospital fees, and additional costs such as consultant fees, device fees, surgical assistant’s fees, anesthesiologist fees, and follow-up procedures fees for gastric bands.
The cost can vary significantly depending on the specific type of bariatric surgery, the surgeon’s expertise, the hospital, and the region within Arkansas. For instance, a Gastric Sleeve (outpatient) in the Little Rock Region costs approximately $17,407.
In Fayetteville, the least expensive Bariatric Surgery is $4,900 for a Lap Band Surgery, while the most expensive Bariatric Surgery can go up to $19,200. A Gastric Bypass procedure in Little Rock has a median cost of $24,740.
It’s important to note that these costs are often bundled to include all related fees for the procedure, meaning patients pay one all-inclusive price with no surprise bills after the procedure.
Arkansas state employees’ average cost of all
surgery-related charges was $10,921 in 20135. These figures provide a general idea of the
costs involved, but the actual cost can vary based on individual circumstances.
It’s recommended to consult with healthcare providers and insurance companies
for the most accurate cost estimates.
Do Arkansas Bariatric Surgeons Include Insurance?
Many insurance companies cover bariatric surgery. So, you need to check if you qualify for the program. Insurance providers like Medicaid or Medicare cover certain types of bariatric surgery if you meet their requirements.
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield mentions that bariatric surgery services are covered only for members enrolled in the Bariatric Pilot Program. This coverage is subject to specific requirements and eligibility criteria detailed in the member’s Summary Plan Description (SPD).
You should speak with your insurance provider and surgeon’s office to know what coverage you can access.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery changes the intestine and
stomach and induces weight loss. Various studies have shown that operation has
reduced patients’ risk of premature death by 30% – 50%. But, the procedure can
be expensive. Therefore, understanding the information above can help you make
an informed decision.