I need your help Ohio.

Hi. My name is Pam. My family doctor recommended that I should have the weight loss surgery done becuz of my physical condition and the fact that I can't take diet pills. I'm on Ohio Medicaid and the doctor in Toledo where I live doesn't take Ohio Medicaid, he takes Paramount Advantage and I can't switch insurers. I live in North Eastern Toledo and would like to know of some doctors that take my insurance for the surgery. I know their out there, and I need to find the closest one to me. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.

Hi Pamela, Nope, Dr. White does not take Medicaid, I know, he stopped accepting it a week before my approval came in. I too have tried to switch insurers, since I am nearly ready to begin the next process in this journey, PS. But if I change insurers, then my disability is in danger.. I don't get that part, I'm on disability for medical reasons, Medicaid disputes any and all it seems means of helping my medical problems, on Paramount I would be approved almost overnight, Medicaid forever. Ah Well I wrote in disagreement on this issue to the state, asking WHY? My PCP was the one who submitted to Medicaid for my approval for surgery. It took 2-3 months, 2 years ago Feb.. got approved end of April, didn't receive the info I had been approved until the end of July, finally had my surgery end of Nov 04. Now they are saying it is taking much longer for approval. Be patient. Surgeons who accept Ohio Medicaid.. I hear there are a couple in Cleveland, OSU also accepts it, and Dr. Trace Curry in Cincinnati, who was my surgeon.. yes long travel, but he is a great Dr. You can check him out on his patient forum @ http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+profile+Trace+Curry+ndj.html , I'd recommend him to anyone who asked. By the way, his office will do all the insurance submitting for you too, I was just told back when I had to have my PCP do it. I have lots of info on my profile also regarding Medicaid too. Good Luck! Oh and Pamela, see link below, we have a local support mtg, that is not Dr sponsered but is an OH.com chapter, would love to have you join us! Vickie

Good morning, Pam Good luck with finding your doctor. I do know that University Hospital System of Cleveland takes medicare/medicaid patients. It is an excellent hospital and program. If you need phone #'s or more info, email me and I will be happy to look it up for you. Linda

Try St. Vincent Charity in Cleveland. They are a good program and not :too: far from Toledo. I'm working with their program right now to see if I can get approved for the surgery. I'm a Toledo girl originally, moved near Cleveland almost 7 years ago (not necessarily by choice!! but he was well worth the move). Melissa

I went to one of St. Vincent's seminar's and they told me they do not take Medicaid. That was back in May 05. Julie K Brunswick, Oh Surgen: Dr. Peter Hallowell Univeristy Hospital

Also OSU Hospital in Columbus ( Dr Dean MIkami) took the medical card. It was a long battle but certainly worth the end result!! Good Luck Pam, we are here for you anytime Hugs Laura

Hi Pam. Have you tried Dr. Brian Lane at Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green? Worth a shot. BG is not far from Toledo.

Hi Pam, I see my GF Diane already mentioned Dr. Lane in BG. I would reccomend him too! I just had surgery done by him on 12/12. I don't know what all insurances he takes but you can always call and find out! BG isn't that far from Toledo. I live in Swanton and its about a half hour for me via e-way and 25. Also, St. Lukes offers lap banding surgery. I work at St. Lukes but decided on the RNY for myself. Good Luck!

Hi Pam my name is Becky, I am also on Medicaid. I am having my surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Bipan Chand is my doctor. It has taken as while for approval but Dr. Chand's office knows exactly what tests the insurance wants. I was approved on the first try. Good luck and God Bless You. Becky D.

I am also on the medical card. What tests does medicaid need ? I want to make sure my MD knows. Erica