Article on Push to Increase Bariatric Surgery Coverage Highlights the Necessary Health Benefits that Bariatric Surgery Provides, Notes Dr. Feiz
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 01, 2015 -- According to an article published on November 16th by MedPage Today, a coalition of obesity groups has filed a discrimination claim against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, claiming that any states which do not include bariatric surgery coverage in their Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans are breaking the clause in the law prohibiting the denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions. The article is clear in noting that the American Medical Association officially designated bariatric surgery a disease in 2013. Moreover, it notes that severe obesity was designated as a disability by the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to Los Angeles bariatric surgeon Michael Feiz M.D., F.A.C.S, of Dr. Feiz and Associates, the fact that bariatric surgery is not covered under the ACA in 27 states is especially concerning due to the fact that weight loss surgery is one of the only medically proven ways to help people lose, and keep off, a significant amount of their excess weight.
Dr. Feiz explains that, if there were a wealth of other procedures proven to combat obesity, then it would be more excusable that weight loss surgery is not covered. Yet, this is not the case. He explains that, although commercials or pseudo-medical TV shows may advertise numerous so-called miracle cures to obesity in the form of pills or powders, these lead to a great deal more discouragement than they do tangible results.
Dr. Feiz also notes that, in addition to the claims that these states are violating the rights of obese patients on the basis of disability or pre-existing condition, the denial of coverage is also drawing claims of sexism, due to the fact that the majority of bariatric surgery patients are women. While this is surely a concern, Dr. Feiz notes that this may be the most difficult of the three claims to prove, due to the fact that there is nothing inherently female about bariatric surgery.
Nevertheless, Dr. Feiz notes that the denial of coverage points to the fact that many people, even those who are responsible for significant medical decisions, are likely unaware of the truly life-changing and life-saving benefits of bariatric surgery. Dr. Feiz explains that in addition to a greatly improved quality of life that many patients experience when they lose a significant amount of their excess weight, weight loss surgery can truly save lives by sending dangerous co-morbidities such as heart disease and diabetes into remission. Studies have shown time and time again that weight loss surgery is one of the most effective methods for sending type 2 diabetes into remission, or simply managing its symptoms. It also, of course, saves the medical system money by avoiding the need for the often heroic medical interventions required to deal with the ultimate impacts of obesity’s many comorbidities.
For more information about the work done by Dr. Feiz and Associates to help their patients get on the road to a healthy future, call the medical clinic today at 800-868-5946 or visit them online at http://www.DrFeiz.com.
Michael Clauw, Cyberset Corp, +1 (818) 883-7277 Ext: 121, [email protected]
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