FIGHT MEDICARE'S RULING ABOUT HOSPITALS!!

According to the news and the PA at the surgeon's office where I *had* an appointment for next week, on February 21st the announcement was made that "Medicare would cover some procedures only at hospitals considered "centers for excellence" by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery." Hospitals were given no time to apply for certification from either organization. We ALL need to contact our federal congressmen and senators about this. The more he11 we raise, the more likely it is the rule will be reversed or revised. Here are some things to point out in your communication (preferably by phone): 1. There was no notice given for this ruling. Hospitals should have had time to apply for certification. 2. Obesity is a life-threatening disease and this ruling has dramatically reduced the facilities available to perform bariatric surgery for months to come. 3. Waivers ARE available and you should urge your politicians to push for a waiver for your particular hospital. Here's the list of US Senators. Just find yours and slam them with emails & phone calls: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Here's the list of Congressmen. Ditto above: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issuesaction/alertlist/?issue=30

i kinda agree about this even though i have been fighting for surgery since 2004.i wouldnt want surgery from a place that wasnt in high standards

I am not against the ruling just the fact that inorder to become an accredited hospital/surgeon has to pay upward of 20,000 and the process is along one, not quick so those who are awaiting surgery could be waiting a while for the approval since a lot of the doctors were waiting to see which one to pay to have the accredation through. Medicare tends to set the standards and insurance companies I am sure will be following suit, so for the long run yes but in the short time many people awaiting surgery could be waiting longer than any 6 month physician supervised diet. Denise

Great post Lisa, thanks!! Have you thought about posting this on the main messageboard?