• UCLA Health
  • myUCLAhealth
  • School of Medicine
Bariatrics

UCLA Bariatric Surgery

Bariatrics
  • About Us
    • Our Expert Team
    • Program Overview
    • Insurance Coverage
    • Patient Stories & Photos
    • In The News
    • Publications
    • Clinical Trials
    • Webinars
    • Donate Today
  • Obesity Treatments
    • What is Obesity?
    • Appointment Request
    • Bariatric Surgery
    • Gastric Bypass
    • Gastric Sleeve
    • Gastric Bypass Revision
    • Lap Band Revision
    • Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
    • Patient Testimonials
    • Video Gallery
    • BMI Calculator
    • Medical Weight Loss Program
    • Patient Information Video
    • Endoscopic Treatment of Weight Regain
    • Anti-Reflux Surgery
  • Gastric Sleeve
    • Gastric Sleeve Introduction
    • Gastric Sleeve Illustrations
    • Gastric Sleeve FAQs
  • Patient Resources
    • Ready To Care For You
    • How to Get Started
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Insurance Coverage
    • New Patient Forms
    • Patient Handouts
    • Pre-op Class Schedule
    • Patient Information Video
    • Patient Stories & Photos
    • Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
    • Safety of Bariatric Surgery
    • Preparing for Surgery Video
    • Support Group
    • BMI Calculator
    • Video Gallery
    • For Post-Op Patients
    • Share Your Story Today!
  • Nutrition Corner
    • Support Group
    • Nutrition Before Bariatric Surgery
    • Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery
    • Transitioning to Soft Foods
    • Healthy Eating Home
    • Healthy Snack Choices
    • How to Lose Weight
    • Keep Yourself on Track
    • Dining Out Tips
    • Holiday Eating Tips
    • Shopping List
    • Recipe Collection
  • Contact Us
    • Map and Directions
  • Our Expert Team
  • UCLA Health
  • myUCLAhealth
  • School of Medicine

UCLA Bariatric Surgery

Patient Resources

Patient Resources

Patient Resources

  • Ready To Care For You
  • How to Get Started
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Insurance Coverage
  • New Patient Forms
  • Patient Handouts
  • Pre-op Class Schedule
  • Patient Information Video
  • Patient Stories & Photos
  • Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
    • Fatty Liver Disease
    • Diabetes
  • Safety of Bariatric Surgery
  • Preparing for Surgery Video
  • Support Group
  • BMI Calculator
  • Video Gallery
  • For Post-Op Patients
  • Share Your Story Today!
  • Ready To Care For You
  • How to Get Started
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Insurance Coverage
  • New Patient Forms
  • Patient Handouts
  • Pre-op Class Schedule
  • Patient Information Video
  • Patient Stories & Photos
  • Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
  • Safety of Bariatric Surgery
  • Preparing for Surgery Video
  • Support Group
  • BMI Calculator
  • Video Gallery
  • For Post-Op Patients
  • Share Your Story Today!
  1. Home
  2. Bariatrics
  3. Patient Resources
  4. Insurance Coverage

Insurance Coverage

Share this
Request An Appointment

Phone: 310-825-7163

Fortunately, many insurance companies recognize the serious health threats of obesity and do cover weight loss surgery as long as you meet the qualification requirements. At UCLA’s Bariatric Surgery Program, we accept most of PPO insurance policies and select HMO policies with an authorization from your Primary Care Provider. However, it is important to check with our office to ensure your health policy covers your weight loss surgery procedure.

Many PPO insurance providers are now providing coverage for Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Distal Bypass and Lap-Band Removal. Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Oscar, Tricare and United Health Care typically cover weight loss procedures. Our office staff will happily verify your insurance benefit. Please Contact us at 310-825-7163.

Qualifying for Bariatric Surgery:

A person must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or BMI of 35 or greater with an obesity-related co-morbid condition including, but not limited to:

  1. Diabetes mellitus, Type II
  2. Cardiovascular disease
  3. Hypertension
  4. Life threatening cardio-pulmonary problems, (for example, severe obstructive sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome, obesity related cardiomyopathy)

Documentation of all of the following:

  1. Participation in a weight loss program. The individual must have actively participated in the program for at least 3-6 months; and
  2. Pre-operative medical and mental health evaluations and clearances; and
  3. Pre-operative nutritional counseling with a Registered Dietitian; and
  4. Pre-operative education which addresses the risks, benefits, realistic expectations and the need for long-term follow-up and adherence to behavioral modifications

**Please Note: All clinical guidelines and qualifying factors vary based on insurance company and the policies in place. If you have specific questions regarding your health insurance policy, please contact our office at 310-825-7163, option 2. 

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is designated as:

  1. United Health Care (UHC) Optum Center of Excellence Network (COE)
  2. Blue Cross Blue Shield Bariatric Resource Service (BRS)
  3. Aetna Institute of Quality (IOQ)
  4. MBSAQIP Accredited Center 

Insurance Coverage

Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Subscribe to Our Videos on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Connect with Us on LinkedIn Follow us on Pinterest
UCLA Health hospitals ranked best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
  • UCLA Health
  • Find a Doctor
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • UCLA Campus
  • Directory
  • Newsroom
  • Subscribe
  • Patient Stories
  • Giving
  • Careers
  • Volunteer
  • International Services
  • Privacy Practices
  • Nondiscrimination
  • Billing
  • Health Plans
  • Emergency
  • Report Broken Links
  • Terms of Use
  • 1-310-825-2631
  • Maps & Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Your Feedback
  • Report Misconduct
  • Get Social
  • Sitemap
Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Subscribe to Our Videos on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Connect with Us on LinkedIn Follow us on Pinterest

Sign in to myUCLAhealth

Learn more about myUCLAhealth