help with ins approval

HI, I need some info on ins, I have medicare and coventry thru the state of mo, I just found out medicare will only pay $900. on the lap band, and the Dr at shawnee mission wants cash up front $6000. unless I can get coventry to cover the surgery too, any info or help would really be appreciated, thank you

I'm going to assume that Medicare works like any other insurance and if the doctor accepts that insurance, then that have to accept what the insurance will pay for that procedure.  That does not mean you cover the difference, unless you have a co-pay or deductible within your insurance policy that says you have to pay that.  If it were me, I would first clarify with the doctor's office you've contacted, to make sure they understand you have insurance coverage for this procedure.  You should not have to pay $6,000 up front if you have insurance coverage, unless your policy says you do.  If this doctor is requesting that above your insurance, find another doctor!!  This board thread lists some Missouri doctors that take Medicare and Medicaid.  Try contacting one of them.  You can also perhaps get some help on the OH Insurance Help forum.

Hi, believe it or not that is what the doctor wanted before surgery, he said he wasn't under contract and medicare takes months to pay, and his time was worth more than $900. I think i will try someone else, I was a little upset about how money seemed more important than a pts health, my other insurance is coventry but people say they don't like to approve wls, thank you for your time and info, B