HELP HELP HELP!!!!!

Hello all, I have been researching bariatric surgery for two years and through out my search I have been having difficulty finding a surgeon that accepts medicaid in nj. I dont know what to do because within the next six months I will be getting dropped from tyhis insurance . So if anyone can help me find an excellent surgeon please feel free to help by all means. WHILE TIME IS BEING LOST WEIGHT IS BENG GAINED. SO PLEASE HELP.......

Hello, Sorry about you having trouble finding a surgeon, but I think my surgeon takes medicare and his name is Louis G. Fares II of Fares surgical associates he is a great doctor and his number is (609) 585-1400. Give him a call hopefully he can help you. GOOD LUCK!

Hi: Do you have straight Medicaid or do you have an HMO with it? If you have an HMO call them and they will find one in your area for you...I believe within 50 miles. Good Luck, Robin

Medicaid and a hmo

Atlantic City Medical Center does surgery with Medicaid I think. They are considered a center of excellence, that is what you have to be to accept Medicaid. Look at the list of Bariatric Surgeons and try Dr. Oponchenko (sp?). He might be a good place to start, if he doesn't accept your insurance he might know who does. If they don't know of anyone, start calling the doctors on the list to the left BARIATRIC SURGEONS..it's a great tool! Good luck. Michelle Brick NJ

Michelle, What does "Center of Excellence" mean exactly ? What organization awards this status? Or this a Public Relations title ? I am originally from the Atlantic City area, and I have heard great things about Dr. Onopechenko over the years (my mom was operated on by him for cancer surgery and my sister and best friend had LAPBAND with him,) I'm just not sure what this whole "Center of Excellence" designation means....I also have been a patient at Atlantic City Medical Center ( I think its called Atlanticare Medical Center now) and it is a fine institution now a days.... I always get suspicious when hospitals throw around these titles....what makes them any better than any other place Kelly

Hi Kelly - perhaps I can answer for Michelle. The Bariatric Center of Excellence designation is given out only after a stringent set of guidelines and rules and proven procedures are adhered to. It is very difficult to get. At this time, there are only two "Centers of Excellence" in New Jersey for bariatric surgery. The first is in Livingston, NJ and the second was Dr Onopechenko's group. At present, Dr Borao at Monmouth Medical is trying to qualify for this distinction, but has not yet done so. Hope this helps. Hugs, Nannette

Thank you Nannette... I really didn't know the exact answer to her question, I was hoping you would give us the correct and complete answer, and you did. Again, Nannette to the rescue! Thanks Michelle Brennan