Overcoming Administrative Hurdles: Exploring Challenges in the Evaluation Process for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in the U.S.
-
By
-
Rylee Barber
-
Stephen Moorhead
-
Kalina Siehl
-
Ronit Pathak
-
Mary K Bryant
-
August 29, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Overcoming Administrative Hurdles: Exploring Challenges in the Evaluation Process for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in the U.S.
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Obesity |
| Key Mechanisms | Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) as an intervention for sustained weight loss. |
| Target Population | Individuals eligible for metabolic and bariatric surgery. |
| Care Setting | Metabolic and bariatric surgery centers. |
Key Highlights
- Only 1-2% of eligible individuals receive MBS.
- Median appointment wait time was 20 days.
- 31.4% of centers were unreachable due to administrative barriers.
- 77.1% of centers had pre-appointment requirements.
- 22.9% of centers required multiple steps before scheduling.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients seeking metabolic and bariatric surgery in North and South Carolina.
Administrative obstacles, not insurance disparities, hinder access to MBS.
Clinical Best Practices
- Streamline administrative processes to improve patient access.
- Ensure accurate contact information for centers.
- Reduce pre-appointment requirements to facilitate scheduling.
Related Resources & Content
