DR Phil Lockie Surgeon

We are often asked if weight loss surgery is covered by Medicare and private health insurance. The short answer is, yes bariatric surgery is covered by Medicare and most private health insurers.

Patients covered by Medicare are entitled to subsidised medical services for bariatric surgery, provided they meet the medical criteria requirements.

Under the current Medicare Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) weight loss surgery or, Bariatric Procedures are related to Items 31569 to 31581, and anaesthesia item 20791.

Items 31569 to 31581 and item 20791 provide for surgical treatment of clinically severe obesity and the accompanying anaesthesia service (or similar).

Private insurance may cover weight loss surgery and programs, but it’s important to check directly with your insurer. Individual private insurers can have differing terms and conditions for weight loss surgery.

The Types of weight-loss surgery Medicare and private health insurance may cover

Dr Lockie performs both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery, which are both covered by Medicare and most private health insurers, for patients who meet the criteria.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (gastric sleeve)

Gastric sleeve surgery removes 70 to 80 per cent of the stomach, turning the stomach from a spacious bag to a small tube. There is no foreign device left in the body and there is no significant alteration to the gastrointestinal tract.

This operation is a good option for obese patients. It is a good volume control option, and this is often an issue for men in particular.

It may not be the best option of you have any significant reflux.