Dr Inman and Medicare---the process

Hello Everyone, I hope this finds you all in good health and high spirits.  I was just wondering if anyone knew the process from the first appointment with Dr Inman up until surgery.  I thought I knew the process but I'm a lil confused.  I was under the impression that after that first visit and consultation and the phys eval that my case would be sent to Medicare for approval.  But I got a call from Coleen today and said that they are waiting for my phys eval to schedual my surgery date.  I didn't ask questions because I knwo she's busy but now I can kick myself in the ass for not.  So this is how I'm thinking things will go please tell me if I'm right---after they get the phys eval and I'm cleared for surgery they schedule a date and then I go for pre surgery classes and have the tests (gi and A1C and all those) THEN they send it to Insurance???  I mean I know they can't do my surgery without an approval---so I'm just wondering what the steps are and if theres anything I need to be doing to speed the process up.  Please Please Please reply with any advice or what you went through or anything like that---THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!!  I wish you all God's speed onto the losers bench.  I am sooo looking forward to it.  Have a Great Day!!! Always, ~Angie!

I don't have medicare. But for me,.. after the consultation the office submitted my information to the insurance. Once I was approved, then I went for all the pre-op testing and such. 

well I thought that was how mine was gonna go but apperantly not---I guess I need to call Coleen again but I just hate bugging her---she's so busy---grrrr I don't know what to do maybe just call the office and talk to one of the receptionist or something---yeah I think I might do that...I'll let ya know what I find out

Colleen won't mind your call at all.  She is a doll!

Angie, Normally, you have your surgical consult and your pysche eval. After they get the report back from the psychiatrist, and paperwork from any other doctors (pcp, gyn, sleep specialist, endocrinologist, physical therapist, etc), then it all get submitted for insurance. Some surgeons will give you their letters and have you gather up everything you want to be included, including things of your own (ie, weight journals, cover letter, weight records, etc), and you send it all in to the insurance. This is what mine did. After the surgeon's office gets confirmation of approval, then the surgery will be scheduled. At the same time, they will also schedule your pre-op testing and dietary class. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your surgeon's office. Sherri ps...btw..welcome to 'my' MySpace...lol! Alos, welcome to OH & to the Indiana board!

hello i had evanson he is in with inman~~~~i also, had medicare and medicare paitents are automatically aproved u dont need to wait 4 a approval u do ur psych eval- and it may take few weeks but they will call u with a date mine was set 2 months away then they schedueled my medical exam-and pre op class then i just waited for aug 8th also-medicare nor dr evanson made me go on that liquid diet that most people have to do 2 weeks before surgery -hope that answeres ur question U R APPROVED LOL------well best of luck-

I agree with Missy.  I don't have Medicare either but all of the research I've done and after reading so much on these boards Medicare doesn't have an approval process - you are automatically "approved." BTW, which procedure did you decide on?

I'm having the Duodenal Switch

Me, too.  My date is Oct. 3rd.  Actually I'm having a revision from a failed SRVG that I had back in 1997.  Dr. Inman performed my first WLS and she's doing my revision.   Don't forget to post over on the DS forum here on OH, too.  There are a lot of great people on the board that can answer pretty much any and all of your DS questions.  I hope to see you over there!  http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/ I wish you all the best and you are in good hands with Dr. Inman; she's wonderful.  Be sure to let us know when you get your date!

Hiya!  I had Dr Inman for my DS with Medicare, and it was a long process.  After everything was submitted, it took almost 6 weeks to get a date.  And then my date was 3 months from then.  Dr Inman only does 1-2 DS a week, and only a few Medicare.  So just be patient, it's all worth it in the end.  And go ahed and call whenever you like, her office is full of awesome people! There is no pre-approval for Medicare.  So don't worry about getting a denial, you're already approved! Woohoo!! Good luck!