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Kentucky Bariatric Institute + BariNation Collaboration. Read More.

Getting Started

How To Get Started

The process leading up to bariatric surgery varies depending on each person’s medical history and insurance requirements. First, please complete our online seminar. Access the Online Seminar here, enter your contact information and complete the online seminar quiz.

Appointment Scheduling

Once insurance review is complete a member of our staff will contact you to set up an appointment for an evaluation.  When you attend a seminar at our facility, you will have the opportunity to speak with any number of our Bariatric Staff, including our Surgeon, Dr. Eric Smith; Heather Pile PAC Dietitian; and Insurance Coordinator, Jennifer Morris. Or, you can call us at 502.570.3727 to schedule a live seminar.

Online Seminars

We realize that not everyone can arrange to attend a seminar in person, so we’ve developed an online version that delivers the same information. The online seminar is delivered by Dr. Eric Smith, and will take about 20 minutes to view.

Evaluation Appointment

The evaluation appointment is scheduled for about two weeks after we call you. It’s a group meeting with a nurse, dietitian, surgeon and insurance specialist. You’ll also have a one-on-one meeting with the physician assistant for an initial history and physical.  After that visit, you will be scheduled for:

  • A nutrition assessment.
  • A psychological evaluation.
  • A weight management program (if your health insurance requires this).
  • Additional medical tests, as determined by the surgeon.
  • It is encouraged that you attend a support group. People who have undergone bariatric surgery find it easier to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments when they have the opportunity to meet and talk with other people going through the same experience.
  • Your medical record will be reviewed. After all your tests are completed you will learn whether the clinic’s surgeon/physician assistant has cleared you for surgery.
  • Your case is sent to your insurance carrier for approval.
  • After the insurance company approves the surgery, your pre-operative appointments and surgery will be scheduled.

Transfer of Care

Download Transfer of Care Packet

Insurance & Financing

Our insurance team will verify if your policy has benefits for weight loss surgery. We will screen your health history to make sure you are an appropriate candidate and our Insurance Team will make sure you meet the criteria set forth by your insurance policy. Assuming you meet all criteria, we will call to schedule your first appointment, where you will receive a personalized benefits form that will estimate, to the best of our abilities, your total out-of-pocket expenses.  You will also need to complete a seminar, either in-person at our facility, or online. Click here to begin our online seminar.

Insurance FAQs

Most insurance plans require that your BMI be 35 or higher. However, if your BMI is between 30 – 35, we can sometimes get you approved if you have a life-threatening medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea.

Register For Our FREE Educational Seminar!

If you feel like you are ready to begin your weight loss journey, give us a call at 502.570.3727 or register now for our free online seminar and take the first step in your weight loss journey.

*This form is not intended for submission of personal medical information. Results may vary. Specific results are not guaranteed and are a result of the individual customized weight loss plan for each patient, along with exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes.

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