FIGHT MEDICARE'S RULING ABOUT HOSPITALS!!

According to the news and the PA at the surgeon's office where I *had* an appointment for next week, on February 21st the announcement was made that "Medicare would cover some procedures only at hospitals considered "centers for excellence" by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery." Hospitals were given no time to apply for certification from either organization. We ALL need to contact our federal congressmen and senators about this. The more he11 we raise, the more likely it is the rule will be reversed or revised. Here are some things to point out in your communication (preferably by phone): 1. There was no notice given for this ruling. Hospitals should have had time to apply for certification. 2. Obesity is a life-threatening disease and this ruling has dramatically reduced the facilities available to perform bariatric surgery for months to come. 3. Waivers ARE available and you should urge your politicians to push for a waiver for your particular hospital. Here's the list of US Senators. Just find yours and slam them with emails & phone calls: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Here's the list of Congressmen. Ditto above: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issuesaction/alertlist/?issue=30

This ruling, while seemingly sudden, will be a good thing. It underscores that obesity surgery is a disease that will be covered under medicare (and private insurances often follow) It will take some time for hospitals to become certified. It is a failrly straightforward process. I do not support the suggestions that all hospitals everywhere should be allowed to bill. There should be standards and that is what this will provide. The certification is going to be a very good thing and hospital meeting the standards for certification will be certified. I'll bet your center is working on this right now. I am sorry your experiencing a delay. Approval will more likley be faster and better than legislative intervention. tee