Regulacje i polityka gospodarcza · 29.10.2009

TRICARE Program; Morbid Obesity

The Department of Defense (DoD) proposes to amend the TRICARE regulation on surgery for morbid obesity to allow benefit consideration for the newest bariatric surgical procedures that are considered appropriate medical care. The amendment also removes language that limits the types of surgical procedures to treat co-morbid conditions associated with morbid obesity, revises the TRICARE Program definition of morbid obesity, and retains the TRICARE Program exclusion of non- surgical interventions related to morbid obesity, obesity and/or weight reduction. These changes are necessary to allow coverage for other surgical procedures that reduce or resolve co-morbid conditions associated with morbid obesity and the use of the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is the more accurate measure for excess weight to estimate relative risk of disease. Additionally, as new technologies or procedures evolve from investigational into generally accepted norms for medical practice, beneficiaries are entitled to TRICARE coverage of the new technology or procedures.