Is it true?

I just got off the Medicare website and was wondering if anyone else ran into the problem of Dr. Trieu's hospital isn't a Center of Excellance and therefore medicare won't  pay for surgery? Help, I am freaking out already.  The only two hospitals listed are EMMC and Maine Medical in Portland.  Thanks for answering.  Bobbi Jo

Hi Bobbi Jo,

Sorry I don't have any answers, but I know what it's like to freak out until you know. Have you talked to Dr. Trieu's office staff - I suspect they'd know the answer right off the top of their heads.

Wish I had an answer for you too!  I'd call the Doc's office and check with the insurance person there. I'm sure they'll know really quick!
Good luck!
Ruth

Bobbi Jo I have been a life and health insurance agent for many years.  You'll want to contact Medicare directly to get all your facts correct.  Just over a year ago I did look into RNY through Medicare for a client of mine and what I learned was that with RNY they will only allow open and that it does need to be through a Center of Excellance.  My client had wanted to have surgery done in Presque Isle however needed to go to EMMC.  Again this was a year ago.  You really should contact Medicare directly to get the most up to date information.   You can go to the Medicare.gov site to email a question or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4277).

You are 100% correct.  I just got a call from the insurance lady at the hospital I was going to go through in reference to the email I sent her with just this subject.  They are working in Augusta, Dr. Huy Trieu's hospital, to get approved as a Center of Excellance but not yet finished.  Medicare will only cover the extra stuff not the surgery.  MaineCare will usually cover the surgery she said, but I only have a partial coverage with MaineCare called the Quimby program and that covers the coinsurance and deductible payments only.. So I am rejected, again.  Now from the second hospital.  I just went through 2 years ago getting rejected from EMMC because I was too fat, and would have to lose close to 90 lbs before they would consider me for surgery, after going through all the pre surgery stuff, except for meeting with the surgeon.  Thanks for the info. it was very helpful.. Bobbi

Yes I remember from your profile that you cannot go through EMMC because of your BMI.
Please do not give up hope.  If it is meant to be for you to have surgery you will. 
I read books and researched surger for a couple years before actually beginning the process of getting approved.  I was also rejected but for me it was my insurance company that rejected me.  It was around 5 years later that I actually had my RNY.  I never gave up hope and kept working toward my goal.  I'm glad I did.  It hasn't been an easy road...full of bumps and curves but I finally made it.