PS. Hickory ( Drs. Cook & Cox ) do NOT accept MEDICAID! They do take medicare from my understanding. I have Medicaid and have found only Duke and Dr. Lowe and a surgeon in Fayettville. Sorry I can't remember his name.
I don't know it for 100% sure, but I think Dr. Bauman takes it. Carolina Weight Loss Surgery is a Center of Excellence, so I'm pretty sure they would. Good luck!