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HMO lifts restrictions on weight-loss surgery |
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Friday, 04 May 2007 |
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One of Massachusetts' largest HMO providers has announced that it is easing the qualifying restrictions on weight loss surgery for its clients.
Tufts Health Plan had introduced a restriction on the availability of the procedure in March of this year, requiring patients to undergo 12 months of lifestyle counselling before they were eligible for the bariatric surgery. However, following complaints from doctors, patients and state public health officials, the duration of counselling required has been halved from 12 months to 6.
In addition to this move, the health insurer has also widened the net of individuals who can be covered for bariatric surgery by reducing the body mass index (BMI) of eligible candidates from 40 to 35, as long as those with a BMI of between 35 and 40 also suffer from diabetes, sleep apnea or hypertension.
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