Need Some Help with AR Doctors

I am wondering if anyone here can help me. I am looking for a doctor in AR that accepts Medicare and does the DS surgery..

Thanks

No one in Little Rock does the DS, and I'm not certain, but I don't think it's covered by Medicare anyway.

Last time I checked, Dr.Roller does not to the DS and I have also heard the only way to get just about any insurance company to cover it is a lengthy fight. Good luck to you all the same!

Wow!  Onederland!  Way to go.  We've got twinkie tickers, lol.

Thank you Sybul!! We do have twinkies!! I love fall...

The closest DS surgeon is in Houston if memory serves.

However, if you are asking for YOU (and not someone else), I'll go ahead and tell you that most insurance companies - even those that DO cover the DS - will NOT cover the DS in 2 steps (sleeve portion in 1st surgery, malabsorption portion in 2nd surgery).  So I can't imagine Medicare covering it.  I don't even think they cover the regular 1-step DS surgery.

But ask on the DS forum.  They will undoubtedly know (or pretend to)! LOL

Good luck! 

Medicare does cover DS, but like u said, i dont know if they would cover the 2nd part for me since they didnt cover the first.  The closest DS surgeon Ive found is in Nashville.. Guess I still have alot of research to do.. thanks Wendy

I'm almost certain Medicare covers DS, they say they cover ALL weightloss procedures, so I am guessing that would include DS.  But like you and Wendy have mentioned, they may not pay for it in 2 parts.  I curious though, why did Medicare not cover your sleeve?  I would think if they cover it, or could you not find a surgeon who took medicare and would do the sleeve?  I think that would probably be the harder part, finding a surgeon who does the ds or 2nd part who will take medicare.

Good luck, and definitely check the DS board, there is one lady there who has helped many people fight their insurances to cover it, and I also believe she knows the name of all surgeons who perform it.  So she should be able to give you a list of surgeons who do the 2nd half of it.