Where to Start?

I have just recently decided to have the surgery, I am solely on KY Medicaid and am having trouble finding a surgeon that accepts it for the procedure, most of the hospitals do. Also I dont know where to start, I havent seen my family physician yet, and I am unsure if i should contact a surgeon first or see my family dr? I qualify, my BMI is 52 and I have 1-2 comorbidities. I believe from what I've been reading that you have to have a sleep study and psych analysis before they will approve it. How do I go about getting these?

Stephanie: I know that we do. Although, I'm sure there's more surgeons than us. It will probably take several phone call's to find them. Hopefully others will post with several options. It's helpful to start with your PCP but not always necessary. I believe most surgeons can start the process but a letter of support from your PCP will eventually be needed. We schedule the psych, and sleep study for you. Most well developed programs will have a pathway that will make this easier for you. Good Luck. Sincerely, Calvin Selwyn, M.D. Assistant Professor UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss

Hi Steph, I live in Missouri, but had my surgery done in Ky. My surgeon Dr. Argotte who does his surgery at Lourdes Hospital of Paducah, Ky. takes medicare and medicaid. He is the kindest doctor I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. He's done alot of open RNY surgerys, and has not lost a single patient. I was a very high risk, and my surgery took nearly 7 hours (Due to previous surgerys which left me with massive amounts of hernia's,scar tissue, and titanium mesh). I had absoultely NO complications from my surgery, and his staff are at your beckon call. They are always ready to help and very friendly. Lourdes is a wonderful hospital as well. I am doing great, and I owe it all to my wonderful Dr. Argotte who has given me a new life. His phone number is 270-251-8101. Jenni 300/270/145 -30lbs.

hi Stephanie, The only doctors that take ky medicaid is DR. Rodriquez and I think Dr Allen, in louisville, I have had the same problem in the past. Dr. rodriquez is going to do my surgery and he is a great doctor, but believe me he is very busy and it might take a while to get everything ready.His number is 502 583-8303, you can call and they will sent you a packet of information of what you need. But you need to get your primary care doctor to refer you to the sleep doctor and the others. kentucky medicaid is very strict and you have to meet there guidelines. So get started and good luck. Lola

I believe Dr. Shina in Louisville accepts the medical card. You can find out more about him http://www.louisvillebariatric.com/ I have had my consult and I'm waiting on an approval from humana insurance. Keep checking around don't give up is the main thing. Maybe your PCP would recommend someone they know who accepts your insurance. Hang in there!! Blessings Tonya