Medicaid and Gastric Bypass

Okay, I have found that Medicaid will pay for my gastric bypass if I go to a center of excellence which is either Post Falls or St. Luke's RMC.  However, they don't show any doctors who qualify to do the surgery.  Does anyone have any help to offer?  There are a lot of surgeons that do the surgery, but I have not been able to find one that takes Medicaid.

Hi - have you tried Dr. Oakley? I know his office is center of excellence, but don't know about medicaid.

I spoke to his office this past week and they are trying to get their standing back with medicaid but I don't know how long that is going to take, I have been looking for a year and I don't want to have to go to Post Falls since it is almost 7 hours away and I would have to get hotel and all the other accomodations.

Hi Kymberly,

I do live in Post Falls and can't say enough good things about Dr. Pennings, his staff and the staff at the hospital. I had such an easy time. They are all amazing folks who are extremely sympathetic with weight issues. Hope it helps your decision.

Blessings,

Annie W.

If I lived closer to Post Falls I would definately speak with Dr. Pennings, unfortunately, Post Falls is a 7 hour drive from my house.

I know sweetie. I used to live in Caldwell. My parents still live in Payette. I was just saying if you can't find a Dr. down there then We have an excellent Dr. Up here too. Hugs.

Blessings,

Annie W.

I personally had Dr. Podany in Idaho Falls. He no longer is in private practice here in Idaho and was medicaid and medicare. In boise there are many surgeons for WLS. My sister and mother both had WLS in Boise. I hear Dr. Valintine in Nampa is good. and Dr. Oakley in boise. They also have the NEw U program in Idaho Falls. (banding). I had to travel and get a hotel. But figure this. This will save your life. So you should be expecting to have to pay some costs. Just because medicaid pays for the surgery does not mean that you pay nothing. It is costly to have WLS. While you eat less you pay more in quality. vitiamins, lifelong medical follow ups, gym fee's, and nutricianist services. Somedays I can't afford to eat. Being low income and having WLS is difficult and sometimes life threatening when you can't afford to eat, drink, and medical services. Medicaid is temporary. While it saved my life I struggle everyday with that choice. I would not change it but I wish I could get a job, get out of school and be self reliant. My disabling conditions are finally being addressed but the transition is hard. If your low income and on medicaid be sure to have after care services. This is why they want a center for excellence. They must provide after caRE SERVICES. How bad do you want or need WLS? if its a life or death situation like mine was. Than whats three days in a cheap hotel with your family compared to where you are now? I saved up between my date being set and the surgery so that my partner, and son and I would saty in a hotel. It was around $300.00 and gave my son some swimming time at the pool smiles. Personally I can't recall much I slept and walked. And thankful for no complications. WLS is SURGERY! Any surgery has risks. They just want to make sure you are dealt with safely. Take some initutive and save up for the event and the journey. I did and have had a good success though I have ups and downs.