Bariatric surgery is expensive and without health insurance coverage, you may consider it financially out of reach. If you cannot afford the cost of bariatric surgery, talk to your doctor or surgeon about healthcare financing plans. In situations without insurance coverage, patient financing is a popular payment option for bariatric surgery patients.

• If financial barriers are keeping you from having bariatric surgery, patient financing may be able to help you afford the medical care you need to lose weight and improve your health.

Patient financing is a payment option that can help you afford the cost of bariatric surgery. The loan company pays for the surgery upfront and then you repay the loan over time. By financing, the patient cost is broken down into more manageable monthly payments. Make sure to check on the interest rate and that you are okay with the terms of the loan.

Medical Financing Resources

In most situations, the bariatric surgeon does not handle the financing directly, but is able to provide financing information for interested patients. Doctors offices usually have working relationships with healthcare financing companies that cover bariatric surgery and can refer patients to one or more options. Patients who want to consider financing for bariatric surgery should ask their doctor about financing options and referrals.

To find healthcare financing:

• Ask your doctor for a referral to a healthcare financing company
• Find out if your bank offers loans for medical procedures
• Search the internet for healthcare loan companies

The internet makes it quite easy and convenient to find a lending company and apply for a loan. A search for "patient financing" will return you a long list of companies that provide loans for medical and surgical procedures. You will then be able to review your options and compare loan offers online. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the various loan offers and choose the best one for your financial situation.

Once you find a suitable lending company, the next step is to fill out a loan application. Lenders will review your credit history, current income, assets and liabilities, and requested credit amount in order to determine loan eligibility and approval.

Some of the many financing companies that offer healthcare loans include: APFUSA, Capital One Healthcare Finance, Care Credit, Citerra Financial, Credit Medical, eFinancing Solutions, Medloan Finance, Reliance Medical Finance, SurgeryLoans.com.

The LAP-BAND® System Patient Financing Program

Patients of the LAP-BAND are eligible for financing through the manufacturer's patient financing program. The program links LAP-BAND patients with a lending company that provides a credit card for medical services. To find out more information, ask your doctor if he or she participates in the program or visit the LAP-BAND website at lapband.com.

The REALIZE Band Patient Financing Program

The REALIZE Band Financing Program is offered to patients of the REALIZE Band. The program helps patients find the best loan for their needs and assists them with the loan application process. Patients who are interested in this program can visit the website at realizeband.com for more information.

Compare Loan Options

As you consider the various loan options, compare the loan terms, interest rates, and credit limits to find the option that best suits your needs and budget. The monthly payment amount will be determined by the total amount of the loan, interest rate, and length of the loan.

Don't let the lack of insurance coverage or other financial barriers keep you from getting the medical care you need. The money you spend on bariatric surgery will be well spent when it helps you lose weight, improve your health, and benefit your quality of life. It is a lifetime investment in yourself. Patient financing has helped many individuals afford the cost of bariatric surgery, perhaps it can help you too.

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