Is bariatric surgery covered in Quebec.?

Private bariatric surgery costs between $13,000 and $20,000 in Canada. However, some people can be supported by the RAMQ. To do so, they must meet very specific criteria and wait patiently on waiting lists.

Here are more details about bariatric surgery covered by RAMQ in Canada.

How is obesity defined.?

Recent studies show an increase in the number of Canadians with obesity class  Although its cause seems simple (positive calorie balance), obesity is a complex heterogeneous disorder induced by genetic, environmental, metabolic and behavioral factors.

For this reason, a growing number of organizations, including the Canadian Medical Association, the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the United States Food and Drug Administration, now consider obesity a disease. chronicle to fight.

Why opt for bariatric surgery.?

By reducing the volume of the stomach or bypassing it altogether, bariatric surgery limits the amount of nutrients the body can absorb, effectively leading to weight loss. Obesity surgery can also help reduce the risk of other health problems such as type II diabetes and atherosclerosis. The preparation involved before bariatric surgery can even detect pre-existing pathological conditions in their early stages and potentially save the life of the patient.

Who is eligible for bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a risky surgery. This is a drastic solution that should be used as a last resort. For this reason, not everyone qualifies for this procedure.

Unsuccessful weight loss efforts

To be eligible for bariatric surgery, one must first make efforts to lose weight the natural way. If sustained efforts in terms of physical activity and eating habits have not had an effect on the person’s weight loss, the latter may turn to bariatric surgery. However, there are other factors to consider.

 BMI and health status

The patient must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater to be eligible for bariatric surgery in Canada.

People with a BMI between 35 and 39.9 may also be eligible if they have other health problems related to their excess weight. For example, a patient with a BMI of 35 who has diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea might seek bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery and insurance in Quebec

In Quebec, the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) can cover the costs related to bariatric surgery in certain cases.

Here are some details about the costs of private surgery versus RAMQ coverage  .

How much does bariatric surgery cost in Quebec?

You may be surprised to learn that public facilities only perform about a third of all bariatric surgeries in Canada. Private paying clinics represent the remaining two-thirds.

This is because most personal insurance plans do not currently cover bariatric surgery. It should also be taken into consideration that the average waiting time for weight loss surgery covered by the RAMQ is 4 years.

The total cost of weight loss surgery in Canada ranges from $13,000 to $20,000, depending on the procedure chosen .