Bariatric Surgery Through Lantern
Formerly Employer Direct Healthcare / SurgeryPlus
Your employer's Lantern benefit covers weight loss surgery at $0 out-of-pocket cost with Dr. Matthew Weiner - a Network of Excellence bariatric surgeon in Tucson, AZ.
Looking for Employer Direct Healthcare or SurgeryPlus?
You're in the right place - Employer Direct Healthcare became Lantern in September 2024, and SurgeryPlus is now Lantern Surgery Care. Same network, same benefits, same quality surgeons - updated brand.
What Is Lantern?
Lantern (formerly Employer Direct Healthcare) was founded in 2011 and has grown to cover 6+ million members through hundreds of employers and health plans. Their flagship product, SurgeryPlus (now Lantern Surgery Care), pioneered the "Network of Excellence" model for surgical benefits.
Unlike programs that credential entire facilities, Lantern evaluates individual surgeons through peer-to-peer review by specialty surgeons. This surgeon-level vetting ensures patients see providers who meet the highest quality and outcomes standards.
The results speak for themselves: Lantern's Network of Excellence achieves a <1% complication rate versus the 8-15% national average, with bundled rates 55% less than carrier rates on average.
Lantern by the Numbers
Known employers using Lantern: Hyatt Hotels, HD Supply, Phillips 66, Medtronic, Coca-Cola Consolidated, NC State Health Plan, State of Delaware, Brevard Public Schools, and many more.
Why Dr. Matthew Weiner Through Lantern?
4,000+ Bariatric Surgeries
Meets Lantern's surgeon-level Network of Excellence vetting - peer-reviewed by specialty surgeons.
4.9 Google Rating
Hundreds of 5-star reviews from patients nationwide.
Both VSG & RYGB
Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, personalized to your health profile.
Comprehensive Support
Registered Dietitians, dedicated care team, and AI coaching via the Loli app.
Travel Patient Experts
Streamlined process for out-of-state patients - we make it easy.
1 Year Loli Access
AI coaching, dietitian support, weekly groups - included for every Lantern patient.
What Your Lantern Benefit Includes
Patients Travel From All Over the US
Dr. Weiner regularly operates on patients from across the country. Lantern coordinates travel through your dedicated Care Advocate.
Long-Term Telehealth Support
Telemedicine follow-up appointments ensure distance patients receive the same quality post-op care.
One Year of Loli App Access
Free access to our AI coaching app - personalized meal plans, food logging, dietitian access, weekly support groups.
Most Patients Pay $0
Mileage reimbursement for trips. Lodging for 100+ miles. Airfare for 200+ miles. Rental car when needed. $35/day per diem per person ($70/day for patient + companion).
How Does Bariatric Surgery Work Through Lantern?
Contact Lantern
Call 855-200-2099 or visit lanterncare.com (member portal: mysurgery.lanterncare.com) to get started.
Get a Dedicated Care Advocate
Lantern assigns you a personal Care Advocate who guides you through every step.
Get Matched With Dr. Weiner
As a Network of Excellence surgeon, Dr. Weiner is available to Lantern members. Your Care Advocate handles the connection.
Scheduling, Records & Travel Arranged
Your Care Advocate coordinates scheduling, medical records, and all travel logistics for you and a companion.
Surgery in Tucson - $0 Cost
Dr. Weiner performs your gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Bundled pricing means no surprise bills.
Post-Op Support + 1 Year Loli Access
Telehealth follow-ups plus a full year of Loli app access for AI coaching, dietitian support, and weekly groups.
Lantern Bariatric Surgery FAQ
Is Lantern the same as Employer Direct Healthcare?
Is Lantern the same as SurgeryPlus / Surgery Plus?
How do I know if my employer uses Lantern?
What does Lantern cover for bariatric surgery?
Does Lantern cover travel expenses?
What is a Network of Excellence?
Ready to Get Started With Lantern?
Contact Lantern directly or reach out to our office. Whether you know your program as Lantern, Employer Direct Healthcare, or SurgeryPlus - we can help.
Lantern: 855-200-2099 | lanterncare.com
Our Office: (520) 298-3300