Medicare Comorbidities? PLEASE HELP!!!

k

I am in texas and on medicare for disability.  I am currently on my 6 month diet.  the requirements are a BMI of 35 or greater with 2 co morbidities or a BMI of over 40 with no comorbiditites.  at least that is what my dr. is saying. I did just read from another poster that their dr. told them if they have a history of mental illness other than depression then they would not qualify for the surgery.  I called medicare and was told as long as you have a note from a psychiatrist saying you are taking meds and compliant with treatment then you will be approved. I think that many dr.s offices are confused as to what medicares requirements are.

I'm updating with my doctor this week.  Both him and his director went to D.C. for a bariatric conference and were planning to sit down with CCMS (Medicare) and verify the requirements.  From what I am understanding, they have been changing the requirements every three months or so... (so as to exclude?) and it is entirely up to the doctor/surgeon as to what he is willing to do.  Medicare has guidelines, but there is no preapproval process.  The doc does the surgery and if Medicare has any problems, then the doctor has to prove why he performed the surgery.  If he can't prove legit reasons... (ie: medicare guidelines), then the bill gets sent to you... the patient.  Nobody gets paid unless you pay it.  So, it's an incentive to make sure you have all the defined and laid out requirements or else Medicare could refuse to pay it.  I will update with you later this week with the actual guidelines from Medicare as my surgeon/director found out... but ultimately I'm understanding that it's your personal surgeon who can say yes, or no.  I am hearing that it's a lot of trouble for doctors to get paid and so they are opting out of medicare patients...  I do not at present have any of the co morbidities, so we'll see.  I've been seeing psychiatrist/psychologist for 16 years and have no trouble with compliance.  They have both sent strong letters of support and encouragement for me to get this surgery.  I'm keeping my hands crossed!  Please keep me updated on your situation?  I really appreciate your response.  Bug

so I don't understand about the 6 month diet for medicare approval. I asked potential doctor and they send me flyer saying 3 month diet. I called Medicare and girl tell me 3 month diet.

I did this in 2008  What is the 6 month diet and who told you that