How to Locate Weight Loss Doctors in Indianapolis

Finding a Weight Loss Doctor in Indianapolis can be a challenge. In recent years Indianapolis has become the US hub for weight loss clinics. The city is a shopper's paradise for overweight people looking to shed extra pounds. But finding a doctor who treats your ailment well can be a problem. This is because of the proliferation of so many physicians specializing in so many different weight-loss programs.

There are no national guidelines on what constitutes a physician offering weight loss services. Generally a doctor specializing in weight loss services is expected to be able to write a prescription for a diet pill that will help the patient lose weight. That being said, there are some specific things to look for when seeking a physician specializing in losing weight in Indianapolis.

* Ask how many pounds the doctor has lost. Qualifying as a fat free doctor does not necessarily mean that you have to have dropped several hundred pounds. If you have been dieting for over a year, that would qualify. On the other hand, doctors that specialize in weight loss surgery should have at least a few hundred pounds to show. This is a decent measure but does not indicate that the doctor has experienced an extreme amount of weight loss.

* Make sure that the doctor has an office that you can visit. How far does it take to drive to the Indianapolis area to see the physician? Do you have to hire a car? Do you have to arrange for taxi service? Does the doctor's office to provide shuttle service between your home and office?

* The fee that is charged for appointments with weight loss doctors in Indianapolis is often confusing. A consultation usually includes a statement that the patient can use to explain their weight loss efforts. Next comes a receipt for the fee paid to the doctor for his/her services. Then there is the bill to pay for their services.

Patients who are not enrolled in any weight loss program or diet and are simply interested in losing weight should not have to pay an appointment fee. These patients could be paying much more by themselves for their doctor's services. To find out what kinds of payments are due and what these payments are for, patients should call the office of the Indianapolis orthopedic surgeon or their primary care doctor to find out.

Patients should also be aware that some weight loss surgeons in Indianapolis charge more when the patient requires multiple appointments. The cost of multiple appointments generally will be about $100 per hour. Of course, this varies from practitioner to practitioner. It is a good idea to ask how many appointments are usually required for a particular weight loss plan before deciding on a practitioner.

Another issue is whether a patient may be able to gain access to the Indianapolis weight loss surgeons' website and e-books. Some practitioners may limit the number of e-books that can be downloaded from their website. Others may not have any online access at all. If you have been referred by your primary care physician and are considering gastric bypass surgery in Indianapolis, you should take a look at the Indianapolis Gastric Bypass Surgery page to learn more about this procedure. Be sure to print out a copy so that you can bring it with you when you meet with your physician in person.

During your consultation, the primary care doctor should tell you whether or not you qualify for weight loss surgery under Medicare Part B. You will likely have to appear at a consultation session before you are officially approved for coverage. Once you have decided on this procedure, you will need to purchase a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. This is important if the doctor notes that you are not a candidate for the procedure.

Before making a final decision about gastric bypass surgery in Indianapolis, you should take a careful look at all of your other options. Medications and physical therapies are always an option. As most people tend to get tired after a short period of time, physical therapies may be helpful. Medication is also an option that some patients turn to. However, you should be sure to discuss this with your doctor first.

If all of these options do not work, there is always the option of gastric band surgery. This is a common procedure that many people find effective. However, only those with extreme cases of obesity may benefit from it. To find a weight loss doctor in Indianapolis that can help you, simply contact one of the many organizations that provide patient referrals. This will ensure that your surgical procedure is performed by a doctor who has plenty of experience.