CurrentHealthPartnersPolicy N/A

Preoperative Weight Loss Surgery Preparation Course Requirement

This policy governs the requirement that candidates for weight loss (bariatric) surgery complete a HealthPartners-provided preoperative phone-based weight loss surgery preparation course; it affects HealthPartners members being evaluated and selected for bariatric surgery. The course is free and must be completed prior to surgery unless an exception is documented by the surgeon.

Policy Summary

PayerHealthPartners

PolicyPreoperative Weight Loss Surgery Preparation Course Requirement

Policy CodePolicy N/A

Change TypeNo material changes

Effective DateN/A

Next Review DateN/A

Key ActionSurgical team must submit a referral to HealthPartners to register the patient for the five required preoperative phone sessions.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.

5required preoperative phone sessions

30 minlength per session

Mon-Frisession availability

No feemember cost for course

Yesexceptions allowed

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Coverage Criteria

Preoperative preparation course requirement

Covered when ALL of the following are met

Member selection and referral: Member has been evaluated by the weight loss surgery program and selected for surgery, and the surgical team has submitted a referral to HealthPartners to register the member for the course.

Course completion before surgery: Member completes five required phone sessions prior to surgery as scheduled (approximately one session every two weeks).5 sessions, 30 minutes each

Use of HealthPartners program: Member completes the HealthPartners phone-based weight loss surgery preparation program (no other program accepted).

The phone-based preoperative weight loss surgery preparation course is not required when the surgeon documents that the member has a serious health condition. Examples listed in the policy include transplant, diabetes complication, malignant hypertension, and Pickwickian syndrome.

Provider Actions and Requirements

Prior Authorization

Referral required

Your surgical team must submit a referral to HealthPartners to register the member for the weight loss surgery preparation program. After referral, a HealthPartners health professional will contact the member to register and schedule the required preoperative phone sessions.

Surgical team submits referral to HealthPartners

Documentation Required

Completion requirement

Members are required to complete five preoperative phone sessions (approximately one session every two weeks). Sessions cover pre- and post-operative material and are scheduled to align with clinic appointments. Each session is approximately 30 minutes. Completion of the program, when implemented as designed, should not delay determination of the surgery date.

Complete five phone sessions prior to surgery
Sessions scheduled ~every two weeks; 30 minutes each

Definitions / Course Scheduling

Course duration and scheduling

Number of sessionsFive phone sessions

Session length30 minutes per session

Scheduling cadenceApproximately one session every two weeks

Timing relative to clinic careIntended to be completed during the same period as clinic appointments

Impact on surgery schedulingWhen implemented as designed, completion should not delay determination of your surgery date

Background

Pre- and post-operative counseling on diet, physical activity, and lifestyle changes is associated with improved weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. The HealthPartners phone-based program is designed to supplement—not replace—clinic visits and is intended to be completed in parallel with surgical clinic appointments.