Centers of Excellence Program
Your Employer May Cover Weight Loss Surgery at No Cost to You
Many large employers offer bariatric surgery as a covered benefit through Centers of Excellence programs - and Dr. Matthew Weiner's practice is a participating provider. Surgery, travel, and post-operative support are typically covered at $0 out-of-pocket cost.
What Is Employer-Sponsored Bariatric Surgery?
Many of America's largest employers now offer bariatric surgery as a covered benefit through Centers of Excellence (COE) programs. These employers partner with specialty care companies to connect their employees with the nation's top-performing bariatric surgeons - including Dr. Matthew Weiner.
Unlike traditional insurance, these programs use bundled payments - a single, negotiated price that covers the entire surgical episode from pre-op through recovery. This means predictable costs, no surprise bills, and lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients (typically $0).
The result is a win for everyone: employees get access to top surgeons at no cost, and employers see significant long-term savings through reduced medication costs and fewer comorbidity-related claims.
Phoenix-area and Maricopa County patients can use these programs to access Tucson-based bariatric surgery when their employer benefit covers travel. If you are comparing local options, review our bariatric surgery guide for Phoenix patients.
Why Employers Invest in This
- Surgery cost recovered in 2-4 years through reduced medication and comorbidity claims
- Diabetes medication savings alone exceed $10,000/year post-surgery
- Complication rates at COEs are dramatically lower than national averages (<1% vs 8-15%)
- Bundled pricing eliminates surprise bills and administrative overhead
- Healthier employees with lower long-term healthcare utilization
What's Included for You
Employer-sponsored programs cover far more than just the surgery itself. Here's what patients typically receive:
Patients Travel From All Over the US
Dr. Weiner regularly treats patients who fly to Tucson from across the country. Your program covers airfare, hotel, meals, and companion travel.
Long-Term Telehealth Support
Distance is no barrier to great care. We provide telemedicine follow-up appointments so every patient gets the same quality post-op support.
One Year of Loli App Access Included
Every employer-sponsored patient gets free access to our AI coaching app - personalized meal plans, dietitian access, weekly support groups, and 24/7 guidance.
Most Patients Pay $0
No copay, no deductible, no surprise bills. Travel expenses - airfare, lodging, meals, and companion travel - are typically covered by the program.
Why Choose Dr. Matthew Weiner?
4,000+ Bariatric Surgeries
One of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the nation
4.8 Google Rating
238 Google reviews from patients across the country
Comprehensive Support Team
Registered Dietitians, dedicated care team, and AI coaching via the Loli app
Experience With Travel Patients
Streamlined process for out-of-state surgical patients - we make it easy
VSG and RYGB Offered
Both gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, personalized to your needs
Programs We Participate In
Dr. Weiner is a credentialed Center of Excellence surgeon with multiple employer-sponsored programs. Find yours below.
Carrum Health
Digital health platform connecting employers to top surgeons
6.7M+ covered lives
Lantern
Formerly Employer Direct Healthcare / SurgeryPlus - Network of Excellence model
6M+ members
Transcarent
Consumer-directed health platform with Surgery Care benefit
20M+ members
Luminary Health
Nationwide surgical provider network - bariatric surgery specialists
10M+ covered members
Don't see your program? Contact us - we may still be able to help.
How Does Employer-Sponsored Surgery Work?
Check Your Benefits
Ask HR or check your benefits portal to see if your employer offers bariatric surgery through a Centers of Excellence program.
Contact Your Program
Reach out to your program (Carrum Health, Lantern, Transcarent, or through Luminary's network). You'll be assigned a dedicated care advocate.
Get Matched With Dr. Weiner
Your care advocate connects you with our practice as your Center of Excellence. They handle scheduling, records, and pre-op coordination.
Travel Arrangements Made For You
Your care advocate books travel, hotel, and arranges per diem for you and a companion. Everything is covered by your employer's benefit.
Surgery in Tucson - $0 Cost
Dr. Weiner performs your procedure at our state-of-the-art facility. Bundled pricing means zero surprise bills.
Ongoing Support From Anywhere
Telehealth follow-ups plus one full year of Loli app access - AI coaching, dietitian support, and weekly support groups included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my employer offers this benefit?
Do I have to pay anything for surgery?
What if I don't live near Tucson?
What procedures are covered?
What happens after surgery if I live far away?
What is a Center of Excellence?
Not Sure If You're Covered?
Contact us and we'll help you figure out if your employer offers bariatric surgery through a Centers of Excellence program. Even if your specific program isn't listed above, we may be able to help.
Phone: (520) 298-3300
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (520) 800-1055
Address: 5155 E Farness Dr. Suite #111A, Tucson, AZ 85712