Looking for a Doctor who takes Medicare

I am finding it difficult to locate a doctor who takes Medicare. I was recently qualified for medicare. I am trying to locate a doctor who takes Medicare so that I can find out exactly what medicare covers and how this thing works. Any assistance or input is appreciated.

Dr. CHU in lafayette,Louisiana. Call southwest medical center. Medicare covers the wls ,they should it on t.v., a special with someone having it done through medicare. Good luck ,let me know if medicaid covers it [email protected]

Finding someone who accepts Medicare isn't that difficult, but finding someone who will accept Medicaid is near-bout impossible. The Medicare Programs has Centers of Excellence at Vista in Baton Rouge (Hargroder and Bellenger, I think) and at the facility in Lafayette that Dr. Chu uses. There's also a COE in the Shreveport area, I think Dr. Merriman. I did a check a few months back and there were three hospitals and about 4-5 surgeons between them. I wish you well. Frances

Hi Frances! Congratulations are in order!! We finally achieved COE accreditation last month. After working REALLY hard on it for over a year, we are approved. Both Dr. Keith Chung and Women and Children's Hospital of Lake Charles are now accredited. We are now accepting Medicare for Gastric Bypass on a case-by-case basis, but not for Lap Band as of yet. The problem with Medicare and Medicaid is that they will sometimes pay for the band if you qualify, but then will turn around and deny any costs related to the band thereafter (or at least is our experience). With our mutual friend, whom has Medicaid, that we placed a band on...Medicaid is now denying all adjustments of the band, stating that she has reached the maximum benefit allowed for the procedure. What point is it in giving a patient an adjustable tool and then not covering adjustments?? So, we are only offering Medicare Lap Gastric Bypass at this time. As for Medicaid, I worked for over a year to get a 18 year old girl with a BMI of over 75 approved and through it, they denied it on 6 seperate occasions for ridiculous reasons. A BMI of 75, ALONE, should be enough for approval. They are just too difficult to get approved and once approved, they fall short of covering what is necessary. So, I'm sorry to say that we can't accept Medicaid. Just wanted to let you all know about COE in Lake Charles, though. Marcie - Coordinator for Dr. Keith Chung Lap Gastric Bypass patient, 11/10/2005

Woohoo! I knew the wonderful folks at W&C and Dr. Chung's practice were headed for great things. I must admit, Marcie, I was baiting a hook and hoping that you would respond. I fully know all you have said and I think it helps for those struggling to know that the medical practices are trying to work within these systems of coverage and it's just not easy or possible sometimes. I'm dreaming here, but please humor me. What if Medicaid covered the surgery and some state organization funneled funding to cover aftercare education and fills. I see this wonderful procedures going out if we can't make both Medicaid and fills work for those in financial and medical need. Can you point me in the direction to see if Medicaid will work with a foundation to supplement what they provide for its recipients? I know this isn't an overnight process and it might not help the folks needing it right now, but it's so desperatedly needed. Also, OH is considering a regional convention in Louisiana. Would you all be interested in helping get that off the ground and doing some presentations? Ok, you may never respond to be again ... but (wink), I am from Lake Charles. Thanks, Marcie! Frances

Okay - you asked, so I must respond truthfully, but remember that I am a realist at heart. The State-funded organization to help with education/fills would be a great idea in theory. I don't think it would ever happen. Fills of a Lap Band, we have seen, are a slipperly slope. We see lots of patients come in to have some fill taken out, stating that they can't swallow. Then, they're back in a week, saying they're gaining weight. Two months later, they can't swallow. Week later...gaining weight. Alot of patients will manipulate their band for social reasons. If they are (for example) going on a cruise, have holiday parties, etc, they will want the fill loosened in order to be able to enjoy the festivities. Then they come back to have it tightened afterward. Same goes for just before a big event like a wedding or reunion...they want it tightened very prohibitively only to come back sick and malnourished a few days later to have it removed. I think that any state agency is going to put a limit on adjustments as well. Not to mention, the unfortunate fact that weight loss surgery is still considered elective at all times. You and I know this is ridiculous, but it's the sad truth. Try getting a state agency to pay for anything related to a procedure that could be considered cosmetic or elective in nature. Now, our adjustments aren't much...only $75.00 each, but it can be prohibitive to those on Medicaid. We don't want to place a band on a patient and then have them not lose because they can't afford the adjustments. If they don't lose weight, we look bad. We are not out to do this surgery for no reason. We want it to work as much as anyone else because there are people looking at our numbers of weight loss results as well. As for an OH convention...we'd LOVE to. Dr. Chung loves this site as well. The only problem....we're SACKED. Last year, Dr. Chung performed more procedures (per capita) than any other single Surgeon in the state. Little old Lake Charles...who knew? He is averaging 12-15 procedures a week. On average, I spend approximately 6 hours preop and postop with patients, so if you add up the numbers, I have NO IDEA how I do it. As a fellow patient, I would love to be involved. As a Bariatric Coordinator, I would be proud to be involved. It's just a matter of time. Get some details. Let me know. Any documentation or support you would need from us is always here. Let me know. Marcie

I really appreciated your frankness and time, however you missed the relationships of the words state, funding, fills. "What if Medicaid covered the surgery and some state organization funneled funding to cover aftercare education and fills. " I was referring to a private organization in the state of Louisiana, not funded by the state. We have a 5013(c) in the BR area formed to advocate bariatric causes. Wouldn't mind giving it some manpower if it could someday help a small number (very small) of needy patients. You're right, the nature of the Lap Band makes it hard to regulate through a state-funded program. The fills schedule, sweet spot, rules of engagement and definition of restriction varies from day to day, practice to practice and patient to patient. What makes this such a great procedure -- adjustable tool -- also makes it hard to define standard practices. The need for patient education and screening is much, much greater in our cases. Too many think that number and level of fill dictates weight loss -- that you can adjust the scale by only adjusting the saline in the band. I don't know, Marcie, I guess I'm talking myself out of trying because frankly this might be too difficult a task to teach and administrate without the personal accountability that comes from financial responsibility for fills. I think we can learn a lot from alternating periods of empty bands -- gaining strength and widsom while also resting the pressure on our insides. I've been empty for most of the last 5 months and after two years, I need to know what part of this process is Frances and what part is band. On the convention, maybe if we gave ourselves a year to plan, the individual strain would not be so great. I've not been able to canvas for sponsors much with the OHLA, New U and board time that I dedicate, but I do still believe we can have a good showing here sometime soon. Where there's a will...right? At least I know you all are interested. Next time I'm home in the middle of the week, I'll have to buy you lunch -- lean protein first! Onward! Frances

No, I read what you were saying...I understand what you are meaning and I do, in theory, think it would be great. But, even for a private organization, there must be guidelines and for the Lap Band, there's just too much of a grey area. Too much room for abuse on both the office and the patient part. More details, but not going into it....I know you can read between my lines. I just don't see an organization getting involved in this matter. But, I am not always pessimistic, you see. If there is a chance, I'd love to help. And yes, when you're in town, lunch is in order. I know a GREAT sushi spot!!!

Gee! You are reading my mind. I had sushi for lunch and after a trip to Whole Foods, we have our own version for dinner tonight -- no rice or carbs, but some cucumber, celery and fresh fish. I'm pondering going vegetarian ... well, I've not had beef, chicken or pork in two weeks. I'm even swithing to soy alternatives for dairy. For 11 days, we didn't have refined sugar. It's hard to get enough plant protein so I'm going to do seafood a few days and all plant the others. My biggest concern is iron instead of protein. Had that bad bout with staph six months postop and anemia kicks my butt from time to time. Trying to see if I can get what I need from select seafood and vegetarian fare. What's your MOD on DIET?

What does MOD mean?? I am so computer illiterate. I take prenatal vitamins and it seems to do okay for my iron intake. I have my labs checked every six months and they are fine. Meat sits like a rock for me, too, so I tend to gravitate more towards veggies and sushi. I like to eat beans for protein. I can open up a small can of beans and that's a meal for me. I heard in a report last week, though, that eating too much sushi can lead to a buildup of mercury and cases of mercury poisoning have been reported. I eat sushi at least 3 times a week. So, if you don't see me around for awhile...it was the su****hat did me in.