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Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Bariatric Surgery Program

What does it mean to be an Accredited Bariatric Surgery Program?

The Froedtert/MCW Bariatric Surgery Program is Accredited by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. We participate in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), and meet criteria to be accredited as a Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program. The objective of the MBSAQIP is to promote high quality surgical care for the bariatric patient. In order to become and maintain accreditation, bariatric programs must:

  • Be multidisciplinary with providers from multiple specialties including bariatric surgery, psychiatry, anesthesia, and nutrition among others.
  • Adhere to consistent and evidence-based bariatric care pathways.
  • Utilize equipment and facilities that are appropriate to care for the bariatric population.
  • Demonstrate good long term outcomes.

Our bariatric surgeons (Dr. Amir Ghaferi, Dr. Jon Gould, Dr. Rana Higgins, Dr. Tammy Kindel, Dr. Kate Lak, and Dr. Wen Hui Tan) are very experienced bariatric surgeons who have all completed an additional year of specialty training in bariatric surgery following completion of their surgical residency (fellowship). We have a national reputation for our excellence in bariatric surgery. Visit MBSAQIP to learn more. Additional information can be found at Bariatric Surgery.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

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What medical criteria need to be met to be a candidate for weight loss surgery?

According to the National Institutes of Health the following medical criteria need to be met to be considered a candidate for weight loss surgery:

  • A person must be a minimum of 100 pounds overweight or has a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40. -OR-
  • A person with a BMI of 35 with serious health problems caused by being overweight (sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or diabetes). -AND-
  • A person who has tried medically supervised dieting to try to lose weight, but has been unsuccessful at keeping it off. -AND-
  • A weight loss surgeon determines you are at low risk for obesity surgery.
What questions should I ask my insurance company when I call to see if weight loss surgery is a covered benefit?
  • Do I have benefits available for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or lap band surgery?
  • Do I need a referral to see the doctor, for any of the tests he may order, or for surgery?
  • Will I be responsible for any portion of the cost of the surgery, office visits, and/or tests? (deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance costs)
  • Is there a financial cap/limit for weight loss surgery?
  • Is Froedtert Hospital and its bariatric surgeons (Dr. Jon Gould, Dr. Tammy Kindel, Dr. Rana Higgins) in-network for my plan?
  • Are there specific criteria that I have to meet before getting authorization for my surgery? (examples-physician supervised weight loss, weight history, letter of support from my primary care physician)
  • Will my follow-up visits and lab work be covered?
  • If I have a lap band placed, will my future adjustments be covered? Will these visits need prior authorization?
What type of additional criteria might my insurance company require?
  • Many insurance companies now require three or six consecutive monthly visits for physician supervised weight loss.
  • These visits must be documented in your doctor’s office chart and these clinic notes will need to be submitted to your insurance company by our office if required. A summary letter is not sufficient documentation.
  • Many insurance companies are requesting a letter of support from your primary care physician.
  • Many insurance companies are requesting a 5-year weight history to confirm that you’ve been battling the disease of morbid obesity for a period of time.
Which operation(s) are done at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin facilities?
  • Laparoscopic and robotic Roux en Y gastric bypass
  • Laparoscopic and robotic sleeve gastrectomy
What testing will I need to have done before my surgery?
  • A TSH blood test which measures how well your thyroid is working.
  • A psychological evaluation.
  • Individual consultation with our bariatric dietitian.
  • Physician supervised weight loss (if required by your insurance company).
  • Sometimes patients will need a sleep study, special heart testing or breathing tests. This will be determined by the surgeon at the time of your visit.
When is my paperwork sent to my insurance company?
When you have completed all of the required appointments and we have received all of the necessary test results and written materials required by your insurance company. Our office calls you when your papers are sent to your insurance company.
How long will it be before my surgery is scheduled?
Surgery is scheduled when we receive approval from your insurance company. This length of time varies between insurance companies. In general, most insurance companies require 30 business days to complete a medical review and make a determination.
What are the qualifications of your surgeons?
  • Our surgeons are certified by the American Board of Surgery and are members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
  • Froedtert Hospital and The Medical College of Wisconsin’s Bariatric Surgery Program and Jon C. Gould, MD and Matthew I. Goldblatt, MD have been designated a “Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery” by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.

A Nationally Recognized Center for Bariatric Surgery

After a rigorous review that examined safety, surgical outcomes, quality of care and overall performance, the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Bariatric Surgery Program has been designated a MBSAQIP Accredited Center - Comprehensive Center with Adolescent Qualifications by the American College of Surgeons, the highest accreditation level available to bariatric surgery facilities.

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Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery®

Our facility meets the national established quality-focused criteria that emphasizes patient safety, outcomes, and in the case of Blue Distinction Centers, also meets cost of care criteria.

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Clinic address
Center for Advanced Care
Surgical Specialties Clinic
8900 W. Doyne Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery Program
New and Established Patients
(414) 955-1799
(414) 955-0085 (fax)

Administrative Offices
Bariatric and General
(414) 955-5751
(414) 955-0085 (fax)

Mailing address
Medical College of Wisconsin
Division of Minimally Invasive and Gastrointestinal Surgery
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Surgical Specialties Clinic Google map location