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Section: |
Miscellaneous |
Number: |
G-24 |
Topic: |
Obesity |
Effective Date: |
March 5, 2007 |
Issued Date: |
March 5, 2007 |
Date Last Reviewed: |
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General Policy Guidelines
Indications and Limitations of Coverage
Medical Treatment
Treatment of obesity (278.00) is excluded from medical coverage. However, covered services for the medical treatment for morbid obesity (278.01) are eligible for reimbursement. Coverage for the medical treatment of morbid obesity is determined according to individual or group customer benefits.
- NOTE:
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- For additional information on the screening and prevention of obesity, refer to the Highmark Preventive Schedule.
Surgical Treatment
There are a variety of surgeries intended for the treatment of morbid obesity. All procedures fall into one of these two categories:
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Gastric restrictive surgical procedures (e.g., vertical banded gastroplasty, gastric stapling, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, mini-gastric bypass, gastric bypass with Roux-en-Y) create a small gastric pouch, resulting in weight loss from early satiety and decreased dietary intake. The decreased capacity of the stomach reduces the volume of food an individual consumes before feeling full.
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Malabsorptive surgical procedures (e. g., biliopancreatic diversion, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, long-limb gastric bypass, intestinal gastric bypass) bypass a section of the small intestines. Weight loss results from intestinal malabsorption without dietary modification.
The following procedures are covered for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity when all of the patient selection criteria are met. (Note: Coverage for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity is determined according to individual or group customer benefits.)
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Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (43770)
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (e.g., the Lap-Band system) involves creating a gastric pouch by placing a gastric band around the exterior of the stomach. The band is attached to a reservoir that is implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal fascia in the patient’s upper abdomen. Injecting the reservoir with saline will alter the diameter of the gastric band. This limits food consumption and creates an earlier feeling of fullness. Subsequent adjustments can be made either to tighten or loosen the band to meet individual patient needs.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RY-GBP) {open (43846) or laparoscopic (43644)}
The open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered the gold standard for bariatric surgery. A small (30 cc) proximal gastric pouch is constructed which is then divided from the remainder of the stomach just below the cardia with a short (150 cm or less) Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy performed between the proximal gastric pouch and a Roux-en-Y jejunal limb.
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Vertical banded gastroplasty and gastric stapling (open) (43842, 43843)
Vertical banded gastroplasty is a type of gastric restrictive procedure, which consists of constructing a small pouch with a restricted outlet along the lesser curvature of the stomach. The outlet may be externally reinforced to prevent disruption or dilation.
Gastric stapling is accomplished by stapling the upper stomach to create a small pouch into which food flows after it’s swallowed. The outlet of this pouch is restricted by a band of synthetic mesh, which slows its emptying, so that the person feels full after only a few bites of food.
Patient Selection Criteria
Morbid obesity is defined as a condition of consistent and uncontrollable weight gain that is characterized by a weight which is at least 100 lbs. or 100% over ideal weight or a BMI of at least 40 (V85.4) or a BMI of 35 (V85.35-V85.39) with comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular heart disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus type II, sleep apnea).
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The patient has received non-surgical treatment (e.g., dietitian/nutritionist consultation, low calorie diet, exercise program, and behavior modification) and attempts at weight loss have failed.
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The patient must participate in and meet the criteria of a structured nutrition and exercise program. This includes dietitian/nutritionist consultation, low calorie diet, increased physical activity, behavioral modification, and/or pharmacologic therapy, documented in the medical record. This structured nutrition and exercise program must meet all of the following criteria:
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The nutrition and exercise program must be supervised and monitored by a physician working in cooperation with dieticians and/or nutritionists; and
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The nutrition and exercise program(s) must be for a cumulative total of 6 months or longer in duration; and
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The nutritional and exercise program must occur within two years prior to the surgery; and
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The patient's participation in a structured nutrition and exercise program must be documented in the medical record by an attending physician who supervised the patient's progress. A physician's summary letter is not sufficient documentation. Documentation should include medical records of the physician's on-going assessments of the patient's progress throughout the course of the nutrition and exercise program. For patients who participate in a structured nutrition and exercise program, medical records documenting the patient's participation and progress must be available for review.
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The patient must complete a psychological evaluation performed by a licensed mental health care professional and be recommended for bariatric surgery. The patient's medical record documentation should indicate that all psychosocial issues have been identified and addressed.
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Patient selection is a critical process requiring psychiatric evaluation and a multidisciplinary team approach. The member's understanding of the procedure, and ability to participate and comply with life-long follow-up and the life-style changes (e.g., changes in dietary habits, and beginning an exercise program) are necessary to the success of the procedure.
If the patient does not meet all of the patient selection criteria for bariatric surgery, the procedure will be denied as not medically necessary. A participating, preferred, or network provider cannot bill the member for the denied services.
Gastric stapling and gastric bypass surgery reported for the treatment of "morbid obesity" should be processed under the appropriate procedure code 43644, 43842, 43843, 43846, or 43848 respectively. Claims for "vertical banded gastroplasty" should be processed under code 43842. (See Highmark Medical Policy Bulletin S-96 for additional information on laparoscopic surgery.)
In addition, itemized charges reported for gastroduodenostomy and/or surgery should be combined with the stapling, vertical banded gastroplasty or bypass surgery. The gastrojejunostomy in conjunction with gastric stapling, vertical banded gastroplasty or gastric bypass claim should be processed under the appropriate code 43644, 43842, 43843, 43846, or 43848.
A liver biopsy (10021, 10022, 47001, 47100, 47120, 47122, and 47379), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) (43234-43239, 43241, and 43259) are considered an inherent part of all bariatric surgical procedures (43644, 43645, 43770-43774, 43842-43848, 43886-43888, and S2083). These services are not eligible for separate payment when reported on the same day as a bariatric surgical procedure. When a doctor reports a liver biopsy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or EGD with a bariatric surgical procedure, the charges should be combined under the appropriate bariatric surgery procedure code. A participating, preferred, or network provider cannot bill the member for the liver biopsy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, or EGD.
Repeat or Revised Bariatric Surgical Procedures (43771-43774, 43848, and 43886-43888)
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Conversion of a gastric restrictive procedure without gastric bypass (e.g., laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, or vertical banded gastroplasty) to a gastric restrictive procedure with gastric bypass (e.g., for morbid obesity)
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Revision of a failed gastric restrictive procedure (e.g., restapling of dehisced vertical banded gastroplasty staple line, severe adhesions of the gastric pouch, stenosis of stoma, dilation of stoma)
A Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (43644, 43846) may be considered medically necessary for patients who have not had adequate weight loss (defined as loss of more than 50 percent of excess body weight) from the primary bariatric surgery (e.g. laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (43770), vertical banded gastroplasty (43842). Since, maximal weight loss is not typically achieved until 1 to 2 years of the primary bariatric surgery (e.g., laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, or vertical banded gastroplasty), a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered not medically necessary and not covered if performed within two years of the primary bariatric surgery. In addition, a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or vertical banded gastroplasty is considered not medically necessary and not covered for patients who have been substantially noncompliant with a prescribed nutrition and exercise program following the primary bariatric surgery. More than one laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, vertical banded gastroplasty or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is considered not medically necessary.
Reoperation may be required to either “take-down” or revise the original bariatric procedure. Surgical revision or reversal (i.e., take-down) is covered for members who have complications from the primary procedure demonstrated by diagnostic study (e.g., obstruction, stricture, dilation of the gastric pouch). A reoperation or reversal is considered not medically necessary unless the primary bariatric surgery has resulted in complications, and therefore, it is not covered. (See HMPB Z-35 for additional information on repeat surgical procedures.)
Codes 43771-43774, 43886-43888 represent open or laparoscopic revisions, repairs or removal of the components of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. These procedures would be indicated if there was a complication (e.g., infection in the area of the subcutaneous port).
The following procedures are considered experimental/investigational, and therefore, they are not covered. A participating, preferred or network provider can bill the member for the denied service.
The biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) was first reported by Scopinaro, et al, in 1976 as a procedure that combined both gastric restriction and malabsorption. The technique includes a partial gastrectomy to create a 200-300 cc pouch followed by division and anastomosis of the terminal ileum to the stomach. The jejunum is totally excluded from digestive continuity with the distal end anastomosed to the terminal ileum, creating a “common channel” of ileum approximately 50 cm from the ileocecal valve. A high incidence and the severity of complications following BPD have led many surgeons to restrict its use as an operation for the treatment of super obese patients.
Date Last Reviewed: 09/2005
The biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch is a modification of the biliopancreatic bypass. The most significant difference from the biliopancreatic bypass to the duodenal switch procedure is utilization of a sleeve gastrectomy of the greater curvature rather than a distal gastrectomy and anastomosis of the ileum to the duodenum instead of the stomach.
Date Last Reviewed: 09/2005
- Long-limb gastric bypass (i.e., > 150cm) (43847) or laparoscopic (43645)
The long-limb gastric bypass differs from the conventional gastric bypass only in the length of defunctionalized jejunum. The long-limb gastric bypass was designed to induce greater malabsorption by diverting bile and pancreatic secretions distally in the digestive tract. This was felt to produce a greater malabsorption of fats without the protein malabsorption associated with intestinal bypass.
Date Last Reviewed: 09/2005
A mini-gastric bypass is a variation of the gastric bypass. Using a laparoscopic approach, the stomach is segmented, similar to a traditional gastric bypass, but instead of creating a Roux-en-Y anastomosis, the jejunum is anastomosed directly to the stomach, similar to a Billroth II procedure.
Date Last Reviewed: 09/2005
In the Sapala-Wood Micropouch® operation the very top of the stomach is completely divided. It is not stapled. This division results in the creation of a small "micropouch" completely separate from the lower part of the stomach. This Sapala-Wood Micropouch® is about the size of a grape (1-2 cc).
The small intestine is divided into two ends. One end travels upward to be connected to the Sapala-Wood Micropouch®. The other end is attached downward to the side of the distal small intestine to complete the circuit. Food travels down the esophagus, through the Sapala-Wood Micropouch®, to the intestine. It bypasses the stomach. The bottom of the stomach no longer receives any food or liquids. However, the stomach will still function because its nerve and blood supply are intact.
Date Last Reviewed: 09/2006
A sleeve gastrectomy is an alternative approach to gastrectomy that can be performed on its own, or in combination with malabsorptive procedures (most commonly biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch). In this procedure, the greater curvature of the stomach is resected from the angle of His to the distal antrum, resulting in a stomach remnant shaped like a tube or sleeve. The pyloric sphincter is preserved, resulting in a more physiologic transit of food from the stomach to the duodenum, and avoiding the dumping syndrome (overly rapid transport of food through stomach into intestines) that is seen with distal gastrectomy. This procedure is relatively simple to perform, and can be done by the open or laparoscopic technique. Some surgeons have proposed this as the first in a 2-stage procedure for very high-risk patients.
Date Last Reviewed: 09/2006
In the two-staged procedure, the greater curve of the stomach is removed in the initial procedure, and then a Roux-en-Y technique is used to anastomose the small bowel to the stomach remnant. Bariatric procedures are usually completed in one operative procedure. At this time, multi-staged bariatric procedures are considered experimental/investigational.
Date Last Reviewed: 09/2005
There is a lack of peer reviewed medical literature that contains comparative data that demonstrates the above mentioned procedures are equivalent to or offer any advantage over the accepted alternatives, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Intestinal bypass
The intestinal (e.g., jejunoileal) bypass is created by dividing the small bowel 30 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The proximal cut end of the small bowel is anastomosed to the terminal ileum 50 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. The rest of the small bowel remains a blind loop.
When intestinal bypass surgery is reported, the claim should be processed in accordance with Medical Policy Bulletin G-21 (procedures of questionable current usefulness).
For information on gastric electrical stimulation/gastric pacing for treatment of obesity, please refer to Medical Policy Bulletin S-155.
Description
Obesity is an increase in body weight beyond the limitation of skeletal and physical requirements, as a result of excessive accumulation of fat in the body. In general, 20% to 30% above "ideal" bodyweight, according to standard life insurance tables, constitutes obesity. Morbid obesity is further defined as a condition of consistent and uncontrollable weight gain that is characterized by a weight which is at least 100 lbs. or 100% over ideal weight or a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 or a BMI of 35 with comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular heart disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus type II, sleep apnea).
Body mass index (BMI) is a method used to quantitatively evaluate body fat by reflecting the presence of excess adipose tissue. BMI is calculated by dividing measured bodyweight in kilograms by the patient's height in meters squared. The normal BMI is 20-25 kg/meters squared. |
- NOTE:
- This policy is designed to address medical guidelines that are appropriate for the majority of individuals with a particular disease, illness, or condition. Each person's unique clinical circumstances may warrant individual consideration, based on review of applicable medical records.
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Procedure Codes
10021 | 10022 | 43234 | 43235 | 43236 | 43237 |
43238 | 43239 | 43241 | 43259 | 43644 | 43645 |
43842 | 43843 | 43845 | 43846 | 43847 | 43848 |
47001 | 47100 | 47120 | 47122 | 47379 | 43770 |
43771 | 43772 | 43773 | 43774 | 43886 | 43887 |
43888 | S2083 | | | | |
Traditional (UCR/Fee Schedule) Guidelines
FEP Guidelines
FEP will cover gastric restrictive procedures, gastric malabsorptive procedures, and combination restrictive and malabsorptive procedures to treat morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is described as a condition in which an individual has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, or an individual with a BMI of 35 or more with co-morbidities who has failed conservative treatment. All eligible members must be age 18 years or over.
Benefits are also available for diagnostic studies and a psychological examination performed prior to the procedure to determine if the patient is a candidate for the procedure.
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Comprehensive / Wraparound / PPO / Major Medical Guidelines
Comprehensive and Wraparound
Payment should not be made for medical services performed for the evaluation and treatment of obesity alone unless such services are a necessary treatment of a disease or condition aggravated by obesity (e.g., cardiac and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and hypertension). |
Any reference in this bulletin to non-billable services by a network provider may not be applicable to Major Medical.
Managed Care (HMO/POS) Guidelines
Publications
PRN References
02/1993, Obesity 04/2003, Obesity defined
06/2003, Highmark considers laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding investigational
10/2003, Obesity guidelines revised
06/2004, Guidelines on liver biopsy, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGI) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) when reported with a bariatric surgical procedure
08/2004, Clarification on patient selection criteria for bariatric surgery
10/2004, Sapala-Wood Micropouch Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
06/2006, Patient selection criteria for bariatric surgery explained
02/2007, Sleeve gastrectomy considered investigational
04/2007, Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding now eligible for reimbursement |
References
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation and Treatment of Overweight Obesity in Adults, National Institute of Health 1998
Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding, Surgical Clinics of North America, Vol. 81, No. 5, 10/2001
National Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Medical Policy 7.01.47, Surgery for Morbid Obesity, 12/2006
Overview of Bariatric Surgery, Journal of American College of Surgeons, Vol. 194, No. 3, 03/2002
Evidence-Based Medicine: Open and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Endoscopy, Vol. 16, No. 5, 05/2002
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding at a U.S. Center with up to 3-Year Follow-Up, Obesity Surgery, Vol. 12, No. 3, 06/2002
Long-Term Data Indicate a Progressive Loss in Efficacy of Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding for the Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity, Surgery, Vol. 132, No. 4, 10/2002
Laparoscopic Surgery for Morbid Obesity, Surgical Clinics of North American, Vol. 81, No. 5, 10/2001
Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity, National Institutes of Health, Consensus Development Conference Statement, 03/1991
Malabsorptive Obesity Surgery, Surgical Clinics of North America, Vol. 81, No. 5, 10/2001
Morbid Obesity: the Value of Surgical Intervention, Clinics in Family Practice, Vol. 4, No. 2, 06/2002
Obesity and Its Surgical Management, American Journal of Surgery, Vol. 184, No. 2, 08/2002
Medical and Surgical Options in the Treatment of Severe Obesity, American Journal of Surgery, Vol. 184, No. 6B, 12/2002
Bariatric Surgery: Creating New Challenges for the Endoscopist, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Vol. 57, No. 1, 01/2003
Management of the Bariatric Surgery Patient, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics, Vol. 32, No. 2, 06/2003
The micropouch gastric bypass: technical considerations in primary and revisionary operations, Obesity Surgery, Vol. 11, No.1, 02/2001
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band, Surgical Clinics of North America, Vol. 85, No. 1, 02/2005
Weight Loss and Improvement of Obesity-Related Illness in 500 U.S. Patients Following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Procedure, American Journal of Surgery, Vol. 189, No. 1, 01/2005
Optimal Management of the Morbidly Obese Patient-SAGES Appropriateness Conference Statement, Surgical Endoscopy, Vol. 18, No. 7, 07/2004
Controversies in Bariatric Surgery: Evidence-Based Discussions on Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, Journal Gastrointestinal Surgery, Vol. 8, No. 4, 05/2004
Laparoscopic Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch, Surgical Clinics of North America, Vol. 85, No. 1, 02/2005
Early Experience with Two-Stage Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass as an Alternative in the Super-Super Obese Patient, Obesity Surgery, Vol. 13, No. 6, 12/2003
Roux-en-Y Divided Gastric Bypass Results in same Weight Loss as Duodenal Switch for Morbid Obesity, American Journal of Surgery, Vol. 187, No. 5, 05/2004
A Clinical and Nutritional Comparison of Biliopancreatic Diversion With and Without Duodenal Switch, Annuals of Surgery, Vol. 240, No. 1, 2004
Long Limb Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Revisited, Surgical Clinics of North America, Vol. 85, No. 4, 08/2005
Surgical Options for Obesity, Gastroenterology Clinics, Vol. 34, No. 1, 03/2005
Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity: Health Implications for Patients, Health Professionals, and Third-Party Payers, Journal of the America College of Surgeons, Vol. 200, No. 4, 04/2005
Bariatric Surgical Outcomes, Surgical Clinics of North America, Vol. 85, No. 4, 08/2005
National Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center, Vol. 22, No. 2, 06/2005
Nonsurgical and Surgical Treatment of Obesity, Anesthesiology Clinics of North America, Vol. 23, No. 3, 09/2005
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: Evolving Clinical Experience, Surgical Clinics of North America, Vol. 85, No. 4, 08/2005
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: 1,014 Consecutive Cases, Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Vol., 201, No. 4, 10/2005
Early U.S. Outcomes of Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Versus Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity, Surgical Endoscopy, Vol. 20, No. 2, 02/2006
Three-Year Follow-Up Weight Loss Results for Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding at 1 Major University Medical Center: Does the Weight Loss Persist, American Journal of Surgery, Vol. 19, No. 3, 3/2006
National Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center, Vol. 23, No. 3, 12/2006 |
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Medical policies do not constitute medical advice, nor are they intended to govern the practice of medicine. They are intended to reflect Highmark's reimbursement and coverage guidelines. Coverage for services may vary for individual members, based on the terms of the benefit contract.
Highmark retains the right to review and update its medical policy guidelines at its sole discretion. These guidelines are the proprietary information of Highmark. Any sale, copying or dissemination of the medical policies is prohibited; however, limited copying of medical policies is permitted for individual use.
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