Any Medicare paid WLS patients??

Has anyone had lapband surgery that was covered by Medicare. If so, which Dr. did you use and what hospital. I am so-o-o-o ready to get something done and don't know where or how to start. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brenda

If it is medically necessary, they will pay for wls. There are new rules since February. The wls must be done at a Center of Excellence. There is a COE in Lafayette and Baton Rouge. There is another COE in Shreveport, but I don't know if they accept Medicare. Good Luck! Mary

Thank you so much for the infomation. I don't think I will have any problem meeting the medically necessary requirements. I will check to see if they accept Medicare in Shreveport. If they don't, do you know if the COE's in Laf or Baton Rouge will? Thanks again, Brenda

Yep, they both do. I am in the process of getting the DS at Lafayette with Dr. Chu and Stevens. They are a great team...in my opinion! :0) One of the reasons, I like them is because you are a patient for life. Where as most surgeons just want to do surgery. Then there is Dr. Hargroder in Baton Rouge. He is mostly a RNY/Lap Band guy. Though he is beginning to do the DS. Mary

I have heard good things about these doctors so if it doesn't work out with Dr Merriman I will see one of them. Best of luck to you on your journey. Brenda