Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on who can participate in the UI Weight Management program?
Currently, our program is open to adults age 18 and older with a BMI of 30 or greater.
People with BMI as low as 27 will be seen if they have obesity-related complications, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea, or any other condition that developed primarily due to their weight problem.

How do I know if this is the right program for me?
You will be the best judge of that. After reviewing About the Program, you will have an idea of he program strategy. You can then compare your previous weight loss efforts to determine if this program is different from previous failed efforts and thus right for you or not.

Interested individuals should fill out and fax the Eligibility Forms . If you do not have access to a fax machine, you may include all information asked for in the Eligibility Forms in an e-mail and send it to weight-management@uiowa.edu.

Our Patient Financial Services will then determine if your insurance provider will cover your participation in the UI Weight Management program. We will contact you after the eligibility pre-screening.

If approved, download the Weight-Loss and Eating questionnaires and mail it to the address provided at the end of the questionnaires. Once the completed questionnaires and the pre-payment of the enrollment fee are received, you will be scheduled for your first appointment.

This program emphasizes permanent weight loss. How does the program achieve that?
The goal of weight loss is good health. Short-term weight loss has negative impact on your health. Our goal is permanent weight loss and we focus on permanent lifestyle changes.

Our program facilitates your efforts by providing a "starter program" that focuses on making this healthy transition. Most importantly, your team physician structures the program in a way that facilitates weight loss permanency for you.

How much weight can I expect to lose in 16 weeks?
Amount of weight loss depends on your genetics, your body’s functioning norms (its physiology), your motivation, commitment, and most importantly, your effort.

Weight loss amount varies, but averages around 10-13 percent of initial weight, long-term. However, about three to four percent of patients are able to lose a great deal of weight (super-responders), especially when weight loss medications are used in combination of low calorie diet, exercise and behavioral therapy. It is difficult to determine who the "super-responders" will be.

Can a friend or family member come with me during my appointments?
Support is an important component of any weight loss effort. Asking your spouse, significant other, or another friend or family member to accompany on your visits is an excellent idea. UI Weight Management also has web-based support service, available only to program participants, allowing participants to remain in close contact with team members, including their physician.

How do I get to UI Hospitals and Clinics?
Directions

Will my insurance pay for this program?
Each patient should know and understand his or her individual benefits package. Please contact your insurance company if you have questions regarding your coverage.

Once you enroll in the UI Weight Management program, Patient Financial Services will contact your insurance provider to determine your eligibility.

Even if my insurance covers the program, are there any out-of-pocket expenses?
Yes, there is an enrollment fee of $250. This fee is to cover components of the UI Weight Management Program not covered by insurance.  This includes some of the behavioral components of our program as well as some of the other educational and program materials.  This fee is non-refundable after your first visit. 

Your flex benefits program may reimburse this charge – contact your human resources department to determine if this program qualifies.

What if I don’t have insurance?
Since this is considered elective care, you will be responsible for full payment for the 16-week weight loss program before enrollment. An additional payment is required if you enroll in the 16-week weight loss maintenance program.

I have limited non-commercial coverage (Medicaid, Title 19). Am I eligible?
Medicaid may cover a portion of the services provided by UI Weight Management. To find out if you qualify under the Medicaid Program, the UI Weight Management staff and the Patient Financial Services staff can verify coverage with your payor.

Will Medicare cover this program?
Medicare may cover a portion of the services provided by the UI Weight Management program. If you are interested in finding out if you qualify under the Medicare, the UI Weight Management staff and the Patient Financial Services staff can verify coverage with your payor.

Can I use my flexible spending account offered through my employer to pay for non-covered services (such as dietician fees)?
Please contact your employer’s benefits office for specific information. Employees of the University of Iowa can use their "flex benefits" to pay the out of pocket expenses related to this program.

Can I set up a payment plan?
We encourage patients to find other avenues to pay for this program rather than setting up payment plans

When will I receive my bill?
We will submit a claim to your insurance company. Payment for services will be sent to UI Hospitals and Clinics. If your insurance company fails to pay within a reasonable time, you will be expected to pay for the services.