MEDICAIDE

Any one have medicaide experiences--I was told by Medicaide they will cover surgery if medically necessary-but do you know if they want "medically supervised weight loss" attempts. first?

The best place to start with this is your surgeon's office. Find one that accepts medicaid and ask what steps you need to follow. Since it's them who bite the bullet financially, they are usually very UP on the restrictions, requirements, etc. Hope that helps, ~Tooter

I just had my surgery through medicaid. The surgeon will let you know what they require. My Dr required a preop diet. Medicaid did not. Medicaid did not require an excersize program, but did require a Psych appt & a nutrition class. Neither are covered by medicaid. Psych appt was $225.00 and the nutrition class was $200.00. Hope this helps. Shelly

Shelly first Congrats on your surgery-I hope all is well!! and 2-thanks for the info--I feel like I'm gonna explode with all the research and paper work--but I figure if I'm gonna do it I better know it all.........

Located in Fort Collins, www.NCSurgical.net includes a toll free number. They aren't far from Broomfield and fewer traffic issues. Call and ask them for an application packet for Weight Loss Surgery. They'll send it out to you and there are a lot of questions on the forms no matter who the insurance may be. And yes, they do ask need a history of weight loss attempts. They are really good about answereing question for you too. I've not found any other surgeons in Colorado that accept Medicaid and I was told each of docs there do 1 "charitible" surgery per month (they take a huge fee cut on Medicaid patients). I had to wait almost a year to get to see Dr. Pettine. I'm going the medicaid route too. I saw Dr. Pettine (my surgeon) yesterday-7/28. I also had my psych eval and by a psychologist that work with that office and accepted my medicaid. I have yet to find a dietitian, but I understand there is one that is at the hospital there that will work with medicaid patients. By the way, just rumor, but I overheard a conversation by some office staff was to the effect that they the only office within CO. accepting medicaid and also the only one within 15 states!!!

Thanks so much for your help-- There is another Dr. in Denver that excepts Medicaide but what I did was change my coverage to Colorado Access and I found a great surgeon -I have my consult with him on the 10th -and I have been doing everything his office told me I would have to --so hopefully I dont have to wait too long for a surgery date......I have an appointment for my Plumonary work up on the 1st and surgeon consult on the 10th I'll post as soon as my consult is over..... God Bless

Hi! I live in Canon City, and had my doctor gave me a referral to the surgeon in June. I just was approved, with Medicaid, TODAY received word! I had to get a psych consult, which was covered by Med., and already had a recent chest xray, had an EGD in July (man I came out of it talkin' funny! I said "ok, now lets do it again so I can watch", then came home and threw up, made some phone calls, then passed out! ), and now have a surgery date for August 23! I cant believe it, I didnt think I would be approved! They also needed to send my last 6 months worth of doctor's info (my file) to insurance as well. For me, my TG's have crept up over the past year, so has my weight AND BP, and I have a history of trying numerous diets. In the past year alone, I was on nutrisystems AND went back to weigh****chers, and still not enough results to make a big difference. The surgeon is Dr. Timothy Brown, and his office has been great about helping. I have a second consult on the 18th, then the big day 5 days after that! I hope I helped, but if not, it sure does feel better to share where people can understand what this is like. Everyone has their own advice, but I realize I can only do what is best for me and my family, and they dont know what my life is like sooo.... thats all of my ranting...take care! Melissa

Melissa-- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!--I CANT WAIT FOR A DATE...... I had my pulmonary yesterday....all is go there--I have my first consult on the 10th- I think I have everything in order.....I think all I have left is Phyc..and nutritionist....and submit to insurance!!!! Cross your fingers!!!! Keep me posted on your journey--I will book mark your profile!!!!!