Question

Hi there, I live in Ontario but used to live in New Brunswick. It has been a long time, so I do not remember a lot about the medicare system and it has changed a lot over the years. I have a few friends who are thinking about going to the US to my surgeon to have the Duodenal Switch surgery. Does medicare cover any of the costs in the US? I tried looking on their web site but they are not exactly clear on the subject. Our system OHIP covers the entire surgery plus visits. I can see by your forum board,most are having the RNY with Dr.B but this is a different weight loss surgery all together. This surgery is only preformed by 50 surgeons worldwide and none in Canada, so that is why OHIP covers it. Just wondering. Thanks in advance. Kris

Beausoleil, Sylvain 667 rue Champlain suite 110 Dieppe NB E1A 1P6 GeS 00-02169 Sher 1995 (506)-858-8199 (506)-858-9012 does rny(gastric by pass) and lap-band

Hi Kris - I believe our Medicare only covers the surgery here within NB. I don't know that for sure but I've heard that it does. I'm positive that it does not cover surgery in the States and I'm almost positive someone has posted here that they went to Ontario due to the long wait (to Dr Colburn) and they were self-pay. I know a lady in NL and one in NS who are getting gastric bypass and both of their provinces cover the cost in NB. For me, I am getting Lap Band and the co-pay is $4500 - we need to pay only for the band itself. Hope this helps/