Regulatory and Reimbursement Issues Regarding Endoscopic Bariatric Procedures

Although innovation marches forward and places new therapeutic options at our doorsteps, the regulatory and payer environment must be considered if any of these new opportunities will be available in the clinical mainstream. Endolumenal treatment of bariatric disease will face many of the same challenges as those the endolumenal treatment of gastroesophageal reflux has faced over the last decade. In an era of shrinking health care dollars, the challenge of reimbursement will be significant. Strategies for the implementation of endolumenal therapies for the treatment of obesity must include a data-driven approach that addresses not only regulatory but also financial concerns to be successful.