Do You Need a Referral Before Starting Medical Weight Loss?

Table of Contents show

Do You Need a Referral to See a Weight Loss Doctor?

If you’ve been considering medical weight loss treatments, you might wonder: Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor to see a weight loss specialist like Dr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS?

The short answer:
It depends on your insurance and the type of treatment you’re seeking.

Many insurance plans, especially HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see a specialist. This helps ensure that your care is coordinated and medically necessary. For example, if you’re planning to have bariatric surgery, most insurance companies will want proof of medical necessity — which often includes a referral, documentation of previous weight loss attempts, and medical clearance from your primary care provider.

However, if you have a PPO insurance plan, you usually do not need a referral. And if you’re paying out-of-pocket, you can book an appointment with Dr. Terushkin directly — no referral needed.

Who Qualifies for Medical Weight Loss?

Most insurance companies and weight loss specialists use Body Mass Index (BMI) as part of the criteria for medical weight loss treatments:

BMI of 30 or higher: Generally qualifies you for medical weight loss medications or bariatric surgery.
BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related conditions: If you have conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, you may qualify for prescription medications such as Semaglutide or Tirzepatide even with a BMI between 27–29.9.

During your first visit, your weight loss doctor will calculate your BMI, review your medical history, and help you decide which option — medication, surgery, or both — is right for you.

Dr. Sergey Terushkin: Medical Weight Loss Options

Dr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS is a trusted leader in safe, effective medical weight loss solutions. He offers a full range of treatments to help you achieve your goals, including:

Non-Surgical Weight Loss Treatments:

FDA-approved prescription medications:
- Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound™)
- Compounded GLP-1 agonists
Medically supervised weight loss programs
Customized diet & nutrition plans
Physician-monitored lifestyle coaching
Support for long-term weight management

Bariatric & Surgical Options:

Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y)
Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Orbera® Gastric Balloon
Spatz3® Adjustable Gastric Balloon
Panniculectomy & excess skin removal after significant weight loss

Beyond Weight Loss: Whole-Body Wellness

Dr. Terushkin partners with Florida Wellness & Medical Care, where you can access a wide range of advanced treatments designed to help you look and feel your best at every stage of life. Services include:

Regenerative, Functional & Anti-Aging Medicine
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Peptide Therapy
NAD+ Therapy
Primary Care Services for individuals and families

Whether you’re seeking help with weight management, hormones, or general wellness, you’ll find personalized care and advanced treatments all in one place.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to explore your options, Dr. Terushkin and his team can help you determine if you need a referral — and guide you through every step of the process, from insurance verification to treatment.

To book an appointment, call (754) 298-0038 or use our online Contact Form.

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Sergey Terushkin, MD, FACS

Q: Do I really need surgery to lose weight, or can medication work?

A: Not everyone needs surgery. Many patients today have great success with FDA-approved medical weight loss medications like Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) or Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound™) — plus personalized diet and lifestyle coaching. Surgery is an excellent option for certain patients who have not had success with other methods and meet specific health criteria. I help each patient choose the safest, most effective option for their situation.

Q: How much weight can I lose with weight loss shots like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?

A: Results vary, but clinical studies show patients can lose 15% or more of their body weight over several months with proper supervision. These injections work by reducing appetite and helping you feel full longer — but they work best with healthy nutrition and support from your care team.

Q: Will insurance cover my weight loss treatment?

A: It depends. Many insurance plans now cover weight loss surgery if you meet certain requirements. Coverage for medical weight loss medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is growing but varies by plan. My team and I always help patients verify insurance benefits and discuss affordable self-pay options when needed.

Q: Can I get a prescription for weight loss shots online?

A: Yes — as a board-certified weight loss specialist, I offer secure virtual consultations for qualified patients. If it’s safe and appropriate, I can prescribe Semaglutide or Tirzepatide and coordinate safe home delivery through trusted pharmacies.

Q: What if I have loose skin after losing a lot of weight?

A: That’s a very common concern. After significant weight loss, many people have excess skin that doesn’t tighten up on its own. I offer panniculectomy and other excess skin removal procedures to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your new body.

Q: Do I need a referral to see Dr. Terushkin?

A: If you have an HMO plan, you may need a referral from your primary care doctor — especially for surgery. If you have a PPO plan or you’re paying out-of-pocket, you can book directly with me. My team will help you confirm what’s needed before your first visit.