Weighed Down by Paperwork: Identifying Barriers to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Evaluation in the United States - Takeaways - MDSpire
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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

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  • 1

    Obesity is a significant public health crisis, yet only 1–2% of eligible individuals receive metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS).

  • 2

    A secret shopper study revealed that 68.6% of metabolic and bariatric surgery centers in North and South Carolina were successfully contacted.

  • 3

    Private insurance was universally accepted, while Medicaid was accepted by 94.3% of the contacted centers.

  • 4

    Administrative barriers, such as incorrect contact information and multiple pre-appointment requirements, hindered access to MBS.

  • 5

    The median wait time for an initial MBS appointment was 20 days, potentially delaying access to necessary treatment for patients.

Original Source(s)

Weighed Down by Paperwork: Identifying Barriers to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Evaluation in the United States

  • by Rylee Barber, Stephen Moorhead, Kalina Siehl, Ronit Pathak, Mary K Bryant

  • August 29, 2026

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