By: Rohit Dhingra, MD, ABOM-D
At 4ward Wellness, we’re not just a weight loss clinic; we’re pioneers in the realm of health, dedicated to revolutionizing the landscape of weight loss procedures. Our mission? To make every step of the journey towards a healthier, happier life accessible and affordable for all. That’s why we’re excited to announce we will be working with Boston Scientific to help increase access to and coverage of the ESG procedure.
In the realm of weight loss, innovation is the cornerstone of progress. For years, individuals struggling with obesity have sought solutions beyond conventional dieting and exercise regimens. For many patients, dieting and exercise are simply not enough in helping them reach their weight loss goals for many reasons that we are now beginning to understand. We are proud to introduce the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) to the Capital Region, a minimally invasive and FDA approved weight loss procedure offering promising results without the need for any incisions. This procedure is performed with a thin flexible tube, in which 6-8 sutures are placed in the stomach and effectively reduces its size down by about 70%, allowing patients to lose 15-20% (possibly more) of their total body weight. At the forefront of this revolutionary procedure for Albany and upstate New York stands 4ward Wellness, a division within Albany Gastroenterology Consultants that is dedicated to pioneering change and advocating for their patients’ well-being. Yet, despite the undeniable benefits of the ESG procedure, ESG has remained limited to many due to insurance coverage constraints.
Our journey towards this goal of affordability has led us to collaborate with Boston Scientific in an effort to break the barriers for patients to receive the ESG. Here at 4ward Wellness, we refuse to accept the status quo. We believe that every individual deserves the chance to reclaim their health and happiness, regardless of financial barriers. That’s why we have embarked on a bold mission to do what we can to advocate for our patients and try to obtain insurance coverage for the ESG. Working hand in hand with Boston Scientific, we’re championing the cause of our patients, advocating for their right to access life-changing treatment options.
The process of obtaining insurance coverage for the ESG procedure consists of several steps, and altogether may take about 3-4 months. We will first start by submitting clinical documentation to the insurance company including a letter supporting the medical necessity of the procedure. If the insurance company does not approve the procedure at this point, we will appeal this decision and submit additional documentation with clinical studies supporting that the ESG procedure has been proven to be both safe and effective. If again not approved, there is an opportunity for another appeal with an external review. Our team will take care of this entire process and will work behind the scenes through each step while keeping you updated on the progress.
In the meantime, 4ward Wellness’s patients can rest assured knowing that they have a dedicated team ready to advocate for them. We are more than willing to go to bat with your insurance company. While most initial claims may be denied, we will work tirelessly to challenge these claims in the hopes of ultimately getting it covered. While full and seamless insurance coverage for ESG may still be on the horizon, we’re here to explore every avenue, leaving no stone unturned in our quest to secure financial assistance for our patients today.
We understand that waiting isn’t always an option, and insurance coverage may ultimately not be possible despite our efforts. That’s why we offer flexible financing options, ensuring that cost should never be a barrier to achieving transformative weight loss results. At 4ward Wellness, accessibility and affordability are at the forefront of everything we do.
Change takes time, and while we work tirelessly to navigate the complexities of insurance coverage with Boston Scientific, we will continue to serve as the dedicated team you deserve and be by your side every step of the way. With a pioneering team and full commitment, Boston Scientific and 4ward Wellness are leading the charge towards a future where ESG is not just a treatment option but a covered benefit for all.
Related: Is ESG Cheating | FAQ’s | Request a Consultation
Dr. Dhingra is triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity Medicine. He grew up in upstate NY and earned his Bachelor’s degree (BS) at Union College in 2012, with a major in biology and sociology. During this time, he also earned his Master’s degree (MS) in Healthcare Management at Union Graduate College. He then earned his Medical Degree (MD) at Albany Medical College in 2016.
He moved to Boston and completed his internal medicine training at Tufts Medical Center in 2019. He stayed at Tufts and went on to complete his gastroenterology/hepatology fellowship in 2022. He then completed an advanced interventional endoscopy fellowship with Albany Gastroenterology Consultants in 2023. Dr. Dhingra is trained in specialized pancreatic and hepatobiliary procedures such as endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). His advanced procedural training also included endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), Barrett’s ablative therapy, argon plasma coagulation (APC) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE).
He has completed additional training in endobariatrics, a new and promising area of gastroenterology focused on minimally invasive endoscopic procedures that assist in weight loss including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), gastric bypass revisions or transoral outlet reduction (TORe), gastric sleeve revisions, and intragastric balloon placement.
Dr. Dhingra successfully performed the first endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) in the capital region and all of upstate NY.
He is an active member of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Association for Bariatric Endoscopy. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, running, being outdoors, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
