Medicare and Lap Band

Looking for someone who has Medicare and had Lap Band surgery...I have some questions that I can't seem to get answers to.I have posted on other boards but, no answers...Like what do they pay for??? Fills, NUT visits...Anyone out there???.I am on S.S. Disability...Live in Pa. ''Lucky"

When it comes to the government things change daily, so I can only give you what I went through. 4.5 years ago, medicare would not pay for lap band. That is what I wanted and no way..had RNY and am very glad I did. even with approval of RNY they did not pay for the phy eval.. OUCH ! I didn't have to have a NUT visit.You can call medicare directly and ask these questions.. Good luck on your journey

Thanks for your response...I do know that Medicare now pays for Lap Band..They have also paid for my all my visits and tests so far...I was told that things change with them daily. But I was wondering about the fills with the lap abdn and the NUT visits..I did call Medicare and got the run around,,,They told me that the doctors office would have to bill and then they would deciede weather to pay or not...What a way to do business...right??? I just don't want to have any hidden fees..."Lucky"

ONE OF MY FRIENDS HAD THE LAP DONE BACK LAST YEAR AND MEDICARE WOULD NOT PAID FOR IT.SHE HAD TO TAKE OUT A LOAN ON HERS.BLUE CROSS WOULD NOT ALSO PAID FOR ANYTHING.



MARYLYN

Lucky, I had my surgery about 7 weeks ago. I am on SS Disability and no-way would they pay for lap band. I had a RNY and am so glad I did.  I also have a medicare advantage plan and yes all but 250.00 for the Dr. and Nut was covered and 200.00 for the hospital.  All tests and phy. evail. was covered 100 percent.  Best of luck, Lucky. I might suggest you talk to the hospital the procedure is done at as well as the finance dept. for your doctor's office they should know about SS even better than SS, because they would have billed them in the past and has had to work with them to get approval before the procedure. The reason SS can't answer questions is because they don't know what codes your surgeon will use in order to say it will or will not be covered, at least that is the constant answer I was given.  I hope this doesn't sound like babel but remember it is government!!!
RaeAnn