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Dr. Livingston said... “More likely, the surgeon’s cumulative experience and access to multidisciplinary teams of doctors available before, during and after surgery result in better outcomes.” Gee, Dr. Livingston.  Ya think?  More experienced surgeons, more access to other doctors, and better outcomes.  These seem to me to be valid reasons why the government would want to restrict bariatric procedures to centers of excellance, at least for procedures where its picking up the entire tab, and can therefore call the shots. Boy, if people think THIS is restrictive, just wait until we get national health care.  They ain't seen nothing yet!     BTW, I'm not trying to make light of people struggling with access to WLS.  I had to fight for it too.  But I think if I were a Medicaid patient, I would be GLAD that the government insisted that I have my surgery done at a center of excellance - even if I had to travel a ways to get there - rather than insisting I have it done at Don's Discount Furniture & Stomach Stapling! 

The move to only cover Medicare and Medicaid patients at "Centers of Excellence" happened in my state (Mississippi) Back in ’04. We continue to hold the rank as "Most Morbidly Obese per-Capita" For 6 years running. Anecdotally, I have seen more people who wanted to have surgery, Give up the fight since ’04. In ’02 & ’03 when I had my surgery, Many lower income patients were being accepted across the state. Now, WLS is more likely to be available for those who can self pay For the Lap-Band. Because it is a less ex Facilities in the southern end of the state Where previously Bariatric procedures were being performed Have dried up completely. Very often we hear in this state- "They no longer do WLS There…." Where there were maybe 9 facilities in Mississippi Performing WLS, now there are about 4, 2 of which are "Centers of Excellence." Just my observation. Statistically, those with lower incomes tend to Suffer a higher rate of Obesity. Thanks for the article! Best Wishes- Dx