Aggravated in La.....

I am new here, and was wondering if anybody knows of a doctor in La that will accept medicaid for the surgery?  I have had insurances in the past but unfortunately all had exclusions in the policy and would not pay for it. I have been considered disabled and put on medicaid for my insurance, but have had no luck finding a doctor that takes medicaid to do this surgery. I have major medical problems and know for sure I would be approved it is just finding someone that will do it with my medicaid....Every where I call they say no not since the hurricane we dont accept medicaid and do not know of anyone else that does.....uhhhh I am so frustrated any advice is greatly appreciated....I hope you all have a great weekend. Kisha

Kisha, Have you tried Dr. Andrew Hargroder in Baton Rouge, or Dr. Lavin in Covington? Cindy

Yes mam I have tried both of them, and they said they dont except the medicaid

I'm sorry for your frustration, but it is very real. Pre-Katrina, there was very limited acceptance of Medicaid as compensation for bariatric surgery. Now, it does seems impossible. There was a doctor near you who was, Dr. William Karl Ordoyne, but he has limited his acceptance I'm sure due to the overwhelming volume to the practice. Many people here will suggest doctors who have Center of Excellence status (Lavin, Hardgroder) because the COEs accept Medicare as compensation. The two programs are not the same. Medicare is a federal program and Medicaid is run by each individual state. Each state makes it's own rules on compensation. I do think it's kinda crummy that Louisiana Medicaid will approve clients and then tell them they have to go out and find their own surgeon. This gives people the idea that someone is out there, they just have to find them. I've done some searching for folks who have posted requests, and I've come up pretty empty.  Here's some data. Some doctors have made acceptions, case-by-case, and done a case for Medicaid. Dr. Keith Chung in Lake Charles has done one that I know of, but he might not do any more. Dr. Louis Martin moved to Vista Hospital in Baton Rouge after Katrina and did some Medicaid cases where Medicaid was a secondary insurance -- not primary. I think Dr. Martin has moved or will soon move his offices to another hospital in Baton Rouge. I have two friends who went to Dr. Ordoyne and he seems like a real saint. When he did limit his patients, he limited them to the parish he practiced in. My geography is rusty, but you might be close enough to qualify for his office. I've called other doctors in the Greater Baton Rouge area and even attended a seminar at a budding practice outside of BR in hopes of finding the one person who was openl accepting Medicaid patients, but I came up short.  I wish I could give you some good advice other than keep trying. Finding someone who will make an acception is one hope or finding a way to "pair" your Medicaid with another form of coverage -- like SSI Disability -- is another. I pray the door is opened for you to be released from pain and suffering. All my best, Frances

Hi Kisha! I had Medicaid also and Dr. Ordoyne took it.But like Francis said he takes it  if you live around Covington.I would call and ask or go to one of his meetings.He is a great Dr.I live right by you in ponchatoula so if you need anything just let me know,Margaret.

Have you had any luck finding someone to do your surgery? I sure hope so. I had the VSG Thursday and I am doing well. My thoughts are with you.

No unfortunately I have not found anyone that will do my surgery.  Thanks for your concern..I am happy for you and I hope you continue to do well...God Bless You

Please email me your name and phone number. I will send it on to our patient services representative to see if she has any contacts in your area :)