Duodenal Swith and insurance coverage

I just have a quick question. I am looking into the Duodenal Switch procedure and wondering if anyone has it and how was it getting it covered by insurance? I talked to the person that takes care of insurance at Dr. Rupp's office and she made it out that getting it covered would be an uphill battle. So I am just curious if anyone has insight they can provide. Thanks Rose

I hope TammyB chimes in - she can totally help you in this area!

Mine was covered with no problem.  I did exactly nothing.  Dr. Buchwald's office handled the whole thing.  Just submit and see what happens.  I didn't think Dr. Rupp did the DS? Rose, there are lots of DSers.  Click on forums and duodenal switch.  It's a very active forum where many people participate.  I think there are 10 or so people from Minnesota there regularly.  Also check out duodenalswitch.com.  It's a noncommercial site and there is a comprehensive list of surgeons *****ally do the DS.  OH is a commercial site and you can pay to say whatever.  In otherwords, the list here isn't so good because docs say they do the DS but they really don't.

There are only 2 surgeons in Minnesota who perform the DS - Dr. Buchwald and Dr. Ikramidden (sp - I can never spell his name right, lol), both at the U of M.  I know this because the DS was my first option but insurance wouldn't cover unless my BMI was over 55.  (or 50? - I don't remember anymore). My advice is start with your insurance and call as many times as it takes to get a definite answer from a rep to find out exactly what procedures your insurance cover.  I say this because at the beginning of my journey, someone at my insurance told me it was covered and 5 months into my required physician assisted diet, I called again and spoke to someone who knew the criteria and she said it absolutely was not covered.  You can imagine how frustrated I was.  Get a copy if you need to and go from there. Good luck to you! :) Michelle

Hi Michelle! Dr. Kendrick at Mayo also does the DS..I had a lap DS in April 2006...and have lost over 200 pounds!!  I'm thrilled with him and my surgery.  I also work at Mayo so insurance wasn't an issue for me.  I know Rochester is a drive from Inver Grove (I believe that's where the initial poster lives), but soooo worth the trip!  Have a good day!  Lisa