Does any doctor in la. take Medicare with Medicaid??

I am looking for any bariatric doctor in la. that takes both. I am having soooo much trouble finding one. The only one I found was in new orleans and his nurse is not very nice. Any help anybody can give me will be very much appreciated. I have a lot of health problems and need the surgery bad.

Kellie, I don't know about the Medicaid portion of your question, but I have Medicare as my primary and United Healthcare as my secondary (or supplement) and my surgeon and his group accepted me. The surgeon's group is Surgical Specialists and they have an office on St. Charles Ave in New Orleans and one next to Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington. My surgeon is Dr. Clark Warden. I was originally referred to Dr. Thomas Lavin (in the same practice) but will be having the surgery done by Dr.Warden. Since I decided on the DS surgery, Dr. Warden is the only one of this practice that does this surgery (for now). He will be doing mine 7/7/04 with Dr. Lavin assisting. Their office has been truly wonderful to work with. I attended my 1st seminar on April 28th, my 1st consult was in early May and now I am having surgery in one week. Things move rather quickly since your don't have to be pre-approved with Medicare. But, I understand that medicaid does require pre-approval. I'm sure the surgeons' office can help with anything your need to get this done. This office has been a pleasure to work with. Everyone I have spoken to was more than helpful, especially Danielle--the patient advocate. Good luck in your journey.

Thanks for the kind words. I am getting discouraged though. My new cardiologist is saying that with my health problems that I will most probably not be able to have the surgery. I have congestive heart failure and a very enlarged heart. I am going to keep trying though. I told them I would rather die trying to live than to die suffering.

Kellie, HI.. sorry you having such a hard time locating a surgeon. Dr. Shimer in Lake Charles is my doctor. I dont know if they what you have, but I do know that ,Gilda , his insurance "wizard" is so very nice and helpful. She would prob be glad to find out for you . If you need any info just email me and I will be glad to help you . Sondra