Medicare and Revisions

I had a person email me recently in regard to a problem with obtaining a revision.  I'm sure she'll post here if she can, but we don't need names anyway. She had a problem with her surgery.  She was unable to take in proper nutrients and had several problems with strictures.  She needed a revision.  Problem was medicare only allows surgery at Centers of Excellence.  And there were only 3 in her State.  The nearest one told her that her case was so complictated they wouldn't even attempt it. Solution:  After speaking with a representative at CMS, we were able to advise her of the following: CMS / Medicare requires that the surgery be performed at a center of excellence.  However, Medicare does NOT require that revisions be handled at Centers of Excellense.  In other words, you can go to anyone qualified to help you.

hi, I am on my way to trying to get medicare approval, i have to travel 2 1/2  hrs to a hospital that is a center of excellence,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,thanks for the message, because i was wondering to that if something went wrong i sure would have a long way to travel to the hospital, thanks sherry 

Gary, Does the same thing hold true for Medicare Complete? A friend of mine is still having trouble with getting coverage for her revision. Medicare allows her to go to a surgeon of her choice but Medicare Complete continues to deny coverage.  Any help will be greatly appreciated. Gina 

Ok, so I have Secure Horizons, part of United Health. I called the office of the surgeon in my state not too far away from me and because they do not accept Secure Horizons, I have to pay $15,000.00 up front. I just don't have that kind of money and am really looking to have a revision to a DS.  Any help you can give me?