Any KS Medicaid people?

Hey all - My mom is looking at having RNY done. She is on Medicare and Medicaid and was told that Medicare covers WLS. Her BMI is over 60 so that isn't a problem. Her PCP is the one referring her but we are having problems finding a surgeon who takes Medicare. Has anyone gotten the surgery using state insurance? If so, who/where did you go? Help or  Suggestions? we tried to call her social worker who was totally worthless said she didn't even know what the surgery was. Thanks all!

Kansas Medicaid DOES NOT cover wls period. So many have tried. Medicare DOES. That's who paid for mine. I don't know where you are but the doctors at tall grass in Topeka do accept Medicare patients. The catch with Medicare is that you must have the surgery done at a certified bariatric surgical center of excellence. St. Francis in Topeka is a coe. With a bmi over 60 they may ask her to lose some weight first. I don't know for sure.

I was at St. Francis Hospital last weekend (January 12th) for their monthly informational orientation that Tallgrass group does. Just FYI...They are currently backlogged until about August with their number of Medicare patients. John

Did they say they were scheduled clear out to August and have no openings?

Iris, I'm sorry, I don't know the reason why. I know that when they became a "Center for Excellence", they really had a backlog of medicaid individuals who had been waiting in the wings for thier shot at this "most excellent opportunity". John

Hi, The advanced bariatric center in Lenexa Ks takes Medicare. Phone # 913-322-7401. Sandy

Hi There is a Dr in Lenexa Kansas that is a Bariatric Surgeon, The name of the facility is The Institute of Advanced Bariatric Surgery, She just has received her contract to do Medicare, I have Missouri Medicare and it is being covered through Medicare, The center is a Center of Excellence and that is what Medicare demands, And there is no pre 6 month diet plan through Medicare, They call the Doctor by the name of DR K, and she does Laproscoptic only her phonr number is 913-322-7401. Good Luck, Sandy