Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Morbid obesity due to excess calories occurs when calorie intake consistently exceeds the body's energy needs. Over time, excess calories are stored as fat, leading to a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher and serious health risks. In medical coding, this condition is classified as ICD-10 code E66.01.
He discusses your weight trajectory, dietary habits (including calorie intake), physical activity, sleep patterns, medications and family history of obesity or metabolic disorders.
He measures your height and weight to calculate BMI. Waist circumference and body-composition analysis may be added to assess central adiposity and fat distribution.
Laboratory studies include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile and liver enzymes to rule out contributing endocrine or metabolic conditions.
In select cases, hormonal panels or genetic testing are ordered to identify rare syndromes or optimize individualized treatment strategies.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 2.1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The correct code is E66.01. It helps guide treatment and billing.
If your BMI is 40 or higher and you are struggling to lose weight with diet and activity alone, you may qualify for a morbid obesity diagnosis.
Yes. Many people achieve significant weight loss through a healthy diet, regular exercise, behavioral counseling, and, when appropriate, FDA-approved medications.
All surgeries carry risks such as infection, low vitamin absorption, and anesthesia complications. Dr. Pothuri will review the benefits and potential risks with you in detail.
Most patients begin to see weight loss within the first 4-12 weeks. Results vary based on the treatment plan and how closely you follow it.
Many insurance plans cover physician visits, diagnostic testing, medications, and certain procedures. Our team can assist you in verifying your specific benefits.
