Medicare & PS

Hi Everyone, I had my PS consult back in September and the surgeon told me that my apron removal would be medically necessary. I got a call from his insurance person and was told that since I have Medicare. I would have to pay upfront then see if Medicare would reimburse me. I don't have $10,000 sitting around so I was pretty upset. The insursance person at the PS office said that they haven't had musch luck getting Medicare approval. Does anyone know of a surgeon here in Florida that accepts Medicare and get an approval for my surgery? I got an email from someone that belongs to another WLS board who works for a surgeon and she told me that they get Medicare approval all the time for their patients. She said that alot of PS would rather get the cash and suggested that I look for a bariatric surgeon or general surgeon that would do the surgery. I need suggestions. I've come to far with all of this to not be able to complete my journey. Thanks, Dawn

Dawn, try calling this Plastic Surgeon in Tampa. I was given his card and told that he will fight the Insurance Companies for his Patients who need the Skin Removals. Naji K. Baddoura, M.D. - Board Certified Plastic Surgeon "ASPS" Telephone: (813) 971-1010 14434 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL. 33613

Do you have have a hernia also? I know Dr. Byers was going to do both my hernia repair as TT but I chose to see the PS at UM about the other surgeries I would need and he wanted to discuss the panniculectomy first...so he was going to do it in conjuction with Dr. Byers. I don't know about the Medicare situation with her, but since she operates out of Jackson I would think it shouldn't be a problem. Not sure if she would just do the TT...or if the PS at UM will just accept Medicare, but if you were traveling to CC, UM it's worth a call.... Sarah P.S. I'm coming to see the Big Mouse this weekend!!!

Hi Dawn, I'm 2 & 1/2 yrs. out and also have Medicare. I had to have a hernia repair also but when it came time they informed me they would only cover the repair. The alternative was to pay for it on my own and that's out of the question. If you find out how to get this covered please e-mail me back. The best part is that I've lost 140# and still holding. CarolynT