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Economics and Policy in Bariatric Surgery
1Public Health Economics Program, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA. tjh@rti.org.
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this review is to provide current synthesis of the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery for persons with diabetes.
Recent Findings:
Virtually, every study that has evaluated the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery for persons who are obese and have type 2 diabetes has concluded that surgery is cost-effective. A few studies outside the USA found that surgery is cost-saving. Currently, most but not all US insurers cover bariatric surgery in persons with type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Bariatric surgery is a cost-effective treatment for persons with type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. There is interest in extending surgery to persons with diabetes and lower BMI; the cost-effectiveness of treating these individuals with bariatric surgery should be explored. Despite the potential benefits, not all obese or overweight persons with diabetes will choose surgery.
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