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Kim Sipes, Patient Care Coordinator has been with Surgical Specialists of Shreveport, LLC for over 14 years. She is very knowledgeable about insurance and Medicare coverage for all types of bariatric surgery, including the LAP-BAND® and roux en y gastric bypass. She has over 22 years experience in the healthcare industry, including hospital and physician office experience in financial counseling, scheduling, coordination of patient care and office management.
Kim works individually with each patient and his or her insurance to assure proper prior authorization is obtained prior to any surgical procedure and that proper notification of inpatient or outpatient admissions are obtained from your insurance carrier. In the event there is no insurance coverage for the procedure, Kim assists patients in exploring other avenues of payment for services, including self-pay options, financing options through several local and national lenders and other affordable options that might be available to the patient. Kim is available for financial counseling by appointment; please call 318-222-3132 to schedule a consultation.
Kim’s experience with bariatric surgery is a personal one, as she is also a LAP-BAND® patient. Kim has been very successful for over 3 years in our bariatric program, including making necessary dietary and lifestyle changes that have contributed to her success. Kim says “It’s the best gift you can give yourself, if I never lose another pound it was worth it. I would do it all over again. I feel 10 years younger, It really works! But it takes commitment on your part and regular follow-up and support.” Kim also facilitates our S.O.R. – Starting Out Right Support Group for our “Newbies”, those patients interested in bariatric surgery, and those patients that are 0-6 months post surgery. This group is a great place to talk to other patients that are experiencing life shortly after bariatric surgery. This group meets in our office on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 4:30 pm. She is available to work with you before, during and after your surgery, just call our office for more information or email any questions you may have to Kim at surgicalspecialists@comcast.net.
If you decide to pursue bariatric surgery here are the steps to insure your success:
- Review your insurance policy to determine if you have bariatric coverage. If you need assistance with this call our office. If you have no coverage for bariatric begin exploring cash pay/ financing options. Call Kim for assistance with your out of pocket cost and affordable payments options.
- Attend a Bariatric Informational Seminar given by Dr. Merriman to learn more about your options for surgery. Kim will be at this meeting to discuss insurance coverage, payment options and affordable financing information. Call our office for more information and to make your reservations.
- Schedule an appointment with Dr. Merriman to discuss your specific questions and determine the appropriate surgery for you and begin your journey towards “Freedom From Obesity”.
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