Medicare Procedure and Patient Information
2021 Medicare Procedure Volume
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Alvarez, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| 40 |
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Dr. Rafael Alvarez, MD, FACS is a bariatric surgeon in Saint Joseph, MO specializing in bariatric surgery, general surgery and bariatric medicine. He graduated from University of Michigan Medical School in 2013 and has 12 years of experience. Dr. Rafael Alvarez, MD, FACS is affiliated with Mosaic Life Care and HEARTLAND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER.
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802 N. Riverside Road Plaza 1, Suite G50
Saint Joseph, MO 64507
705 N College Street
Albany, MO 64402
802 North Riverside Road Plaza 1, Suite G50
Saint Joseph, MO 64507
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that promotes weight loss by reducing the stomach and altering how the digestive system absorbs and processes food. The procedure treats morbid obesity, where one's weight impairs day-to-day function or poses serious health risks. Gastric bypass surgery is used only after other weight loss treatments are unsuccessful.
Generally, gastric bypass surgery is performed on patients who have a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgeons frequently expect patients to first attempt natural weight loss for about six months to prove to the surgeon that the patient is capable of maintaining a post-surgery diet and exercise regimen.
For obese patients, gastric bypass surgery has many potential health and weight benefits. Gastric bypass surgery restricts the amount of food the stomach contains, as well as:
During gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is stapled to reduce its size, and a small hole is created in the stomach and attached to the middle section of the small intestine. This direct connection between the stomach and the middle of the small intestine creates a channel for some food to bypass the normal route. By bypassing the upper small intestine and larger region of the stomach, food is not fully absorbed and patients do not retain the same amount of calories as before. This procedure is also sometimes referred to as "Roux-en-Y" gastric bypass surgery. Some bariatric surgeons may perform a "laparoscopic bypass" which uses a tiny camera (laparoscope) to guide the procedure.
Gastric bypass surgery is performed with general anesthesia and as preparation, a liquid diet is required for two weeks prior to undergoing the surgery. After the surgery, patients will spend about two days in the hospital and may miss work for two to three weeks. In the first month after the surgery, patients are only able to consume small portions of liquid or soft food. Even after reintroducing solid food, patients feel full quickly, sometimes after eating just two or three tablespoons. Some patients experience "dumping syndrome" (rapid processing of food into the small intestine), which is common during the recovery process. Gastric bypass surgery patients must also make permanent lifestyle changes. For example, gastric bypass patients are required to take vitamins for life after surgery and required to forever avoid certain foods, such as alcohol, sugar, and high fat food.
While the gastric bypass recovery process can be challenging, surgery results are usually swift: most gastric bypass surgery patients lose nearly half to two thirds of their starting weight within two years of surgery.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rafael Alvarez, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| 40 |
Dr. Rafael Alvarez, MD, FACS graduated from University of Michigan Medical School in 2013. He completed residency at University of Michigan Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a state license in Missouri.
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School (2013)
Residency: University of Michigan Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery
Licensed In: Missouri
Dr. Rafael Alvarez, MD, FACS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Rafael Alvarez, MD, FACS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$1,062
Da Vinci Surgical System $1,062 |
| $713 | |
| $315 | |
| $34 |
Dr. Rafael Alvarez practices general surgery, bariatric surgery, and bariatric medicine in Saint Joseph, MO and Albany, MO. He has indicated that his clinical interests include laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Alvarez obtained his medical school training at the University of Michigan Medical School and performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Michigan. He is professionally affiliated with Mosaic Life Care. Doctor.com reports that he is accepting new patients at his office in Saint Joseph, MO.