Bay Bariatrics

Here at Bay Bariatrics, we have a lifetime commitment to our patients who undergo weight loss surgery. Therefore, we keep very detailed records on each patient and request your assistance by completing a yearly health survey. To avoid long-term problems, we strongly recommend you come into the office once a year for blood work and chemistry panel.

Part of our commitment to all of our patients’ health includes an outcome-based research program involving every individual we serve through bariatric surgery. It is very important that our data is complete and accurate. Therefore, we ask for your help and cooperation each year in promptly and thoroughly completing an annual questionnaire and returning it to our office.

Meet Dr. Tersigni

Steven A. Tersigni M.D., F. A. C. S., earned his medical degree from the University of Utah in 1990. After earning his medical degree, Dr. Tersigni went on to the University of Kansas, where he completed his internship and residency. Dr. Tersigni has been board certified by the American Board of Surgeons since 1996. He earned F.A.C.S. status from the American College of Surgeons in 1996. This fellowship is awarded to surgeons who have completed a recognized program of training and other requirements of the college.

Dr. Tersigni is a member of various professional associations, including the American Medical Association, Southwestern Surgical Association, Oregon Chapter of American College of Surgeons, and the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons. In addition, he is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Meet Our Staff

Robin Stephenson, R. N. is a registered nurse, wife and mother of five children. She is the program coordinator for the Bay Bariatric Surgery Program. Robin has personally realized the benefits of bariatric surgery and has lost over 100lbs. She is a member of the American Nursing Association, Oregon Nursing Association, and American Society of Bariatric Surgery. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, entertaining, reading, skiing, water sports, and furthering her education.

Insurance Instructions

While many health insurance companies recognize the long-term benefits of surgery for morbid obesity and approve the procedure, there is no universal standard criterion. For this reason, it is our policy to request written prior approval for the surgery from your health insurance carrier in every case. This includes written documentation of the weight criteria and medical indications that justify the surgery. Pre-approval may take as long as six weeks.

Some insurance companies require a referral and/or a medically documented weight loss record approving the surgery. Check your policy regarding specific requirements and inform our office of your findings. Please do not call your insurance company and try to preauthorize your surgery, it will only delay the process. Allow our office to conduct the pre-authorization on your behalf.

Most insurance companies require pre-certification of your hospital stay. This is not the same as pre-authorization for your surgery. We will be happy to obtain this pre-certification if you provide the phone number of the pre-certification company shown on your insurance card.

Please be aware of the following during the pre-authorization period for your surgery:

• Your insurance company may require additional medical records and/or tests from other physicians. The letter for pre-authorization will not be sent until all requested information has been received. It will be your responsibility to provide our office with this information.
• Approximately four to six weeks following the mailing of the pre-approval letter, call our office to check on the status of your approval process. We will call you if we receive information prior to that.
• The great majority of insurance companies that cover the procedure require a patient to be at least 100 or more pounds over his or her ideal body weight as measured by The Metropolitan Life Table.
• If you receive a denial from your insurance company, please contact our office. We can offer further suggestions on ways to appeal this decision and/or possible alternative financing. Don’t get discouraged - sometimes persistence pays off.
• If you do not have insurance or have contract exclusion, please contact our office for pricing information and additional charges. Payment for surgery is required prior to surgery.
• If your insurance has approved your surgery, there will be deposits required depending on your policy, deductible, and co-pays. Please contact our office for more information.
• We will also require any balance that is your responsibility on your North Bend Medical Center account to be paid prior to surgery.

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