What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity is a statement written by the patient’s doctor explaining why weight loss is important to the patient’s health and why surgery is the recommended treatment. Most insurance companies require that a Letter of Medical Necessity accompany a patient’s request for coverage of lap band surgery. Information that is usually included in the Letter of Medical Necessity is the patient’s weight and BMI, the number of years that the patient has been overweight, diets and weight loss programs attempted in the past, and a full history of medical problems related to obesity.
The IRS requires that expenses for medical procedures and services reimbursed through a Health Care FSA must be primarily for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease or for treatment affecting any part or function of the body. Items such as OTC vitamins and/or supplements generally promote well-being. If your provider prescribes them for a specific medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity should accompany your request for reimbursement.
