Anyone have Healthcare USA??????

I am trying to find a gastric bypass surgeon for my sister who has Healthcare USA which is an HMO through Medicaid.  Anyone know of anyone in Missouri??  Thanks so much!

Have you tried Mo Bariatrics in Columbia MO. I know they take medicaid. They are at www.muhealth.com. or their number is 573-882-5673. Its worth a call to find out...they have some great docs there....

I have Healthcare USA and my soon to be surgeon is Dr. Hornbostel in Sedalia. He is an amazing Doctor my twin has already had her surgery done by him, she also had Healthcare USA. His number is 660-827-0423 if you are interested he is also a surgeon that is listed on this website. Good luck, Nikki

Dr Hornbostel would be my first choice for this surgery. He is wonderful. I live in Sedalia and had him for a surgeon about 12 yrs ago. Not wls related but you will not find anyone better...he is a very caring doctor and has a great personality. I wanted him to do my surgery but I have straight medicaid and the hospital won't except it for wls, so I am going to columbia....

Thank you all for your posts!  You don't know how much it means.  My sister is about to give up and I am the only one keeping her going!!  I keep telling her to come to this forum for support but she is so depressed and tired of being turned down she just acts like she doesn't care anymore.    That is awesome to know about Dr Hornbostel!!  We thought since he did not take Medicaid he wouldn't take her Healthcare USA.  I will have her call his office back or just do it myself!!  Can I ask about how long the whole process took??  How soon after you contact them and have your first visit can they schedule surgery?  She has two months off work to get this done.   Again... thanks to everyone!  Very uplifting news!!  I can't wait to call her!!!!!!  LOVE LOVE LOVE this forum!!!!!!!!

Well it took me longer than the average I think,  I went to the mandatory seminar in October of 07,  I had my consult with Dr. H in the beginning of November Healthcare USA denied me until I had some more paperwork they wanted, H-USA does require a 6 month log of tried diets or a food journal, there are alot of hoops to jump for H-USA but it is possible and Margie who is in charge of the insurance stuff for now, (Dena was and she was just amazing  she is who dealt with my stuff, so I am not sure if they have replaced her or not but Margie is Dr. Hs wife and she is very helpful as well.) I was finally approved  a couple of days before Christmas and my surgery date is Febuary 25th, So if your sis dosn't have a fairly recent food journal or diet plan you might want to have her get started on that.  This whole process didn't take my sister near as long as it took me and she has H-USA as well I beleive it took her about 3 months but her surgery also was in 06 so I dont know how much has changed from then to now. If you have any more questions I am around every now and then. Nikki

Nikki,   Thanks for all the info!  It is truly helpful knowing what to expect.  My sister is waiting on a call back from Dr H's office.  She is so excited, I hope everything goes smoothly.  I told her about the food journal so she is starting on that, thanks for the heads up!  I will be checking the board to see how your surgery goes... BEST OF LUCK to you and God Bless!!!!  ~Carrie