DSHS MEDICAID PAYS?!?

I am hoping to get a lot of replys to this...I recently found out the WA. Medicaid does cover the gastric bypass surgery. For those who are on medicaid and are either waiting for the surgery or have already had it...I would really like to know more about the process...weight issues that meets their criteria, what doctors except DSHS, which surgery you had or can have, how long the surgery took, recovery...ANY information to help me understand the process of these three stages of criteria that must be meet. I so badly want this surgery, but have so many fears I will be turned down. I suffer from depression and have a BMI = 52%. I just got lab work done checking for diabetes and colesterol. What other things do I need to check? I know I may possibly have sleep apnea but don't know where to go for that and if medicaid evens covers it. I will be seeing my nutricianist for the 2nd time and I receive counseling. PLEASE help me to better understand the process, what all I need to do, and anything else I should know. Debbie Davidson Chelan, WA Thank you for your time and help in advance!

Hi, Debbie I am in the same process you are. I got a list of the criteria and it is really crazy. But, the first thing you need to do is go to your PCP and ask him/her if they feel you need it. Then you need to contact DSHS and ask them to send your PCP a list of the criteria (it can only be sent to your PCP). You go back to your PCP to discuss the criteria and get a referral to a surgeon. Then the sugeon does all the paper work and approvals for you and they tell you all the test that you need. One thing you have to have is at least 6 months of a DR. and Nutrtionist diet and exercise program THAT IS A MUST for DSHS. And as for the Dr's that take DSHS the only ones that take it now is UW Medical Center in Seattle and Bellevue and Surgical Specialist in Spokane. Those are the only ones I have found and I have looked for months. I hope this helps you. But the best start is talk to your PCP and DSHS. Good Luck.

Hi Debbie, I am on Medicare/Medicaid and it's true about the 6 month deal. However, I am going to Dr,. McFarlane at surgical specialists of Spokane. he does the Lap Rny. I contacted my PCP in Dec. and saw the surgeon in Feb. I started going to Sacred heart to see a nutritionist 2x a month. I met with a Psychologist Dr Scott Mabee. and he gave a good report for me. anyhoo, I worked with Betty at the surgeon's office and they are getting me through a couple months early because of my past history of weight loss attempts. Call thier office 747-6194 and push 4 for Betty. She will help you through. Of course you need your referral from your pCP too. but they are wonderful. They have a support group that meets on 2nd wed of each month at Deaconess. Good Luck, Debbie Weighting for June date

Hello Debbie I did not know the DSHS pays for the surgery. I live in Lynnwood Washington. Can you let me know what I need to know and do to get things started. I have a BMI of 47%. Please if you could help me I would really apprectate it thank you.. Stacey Spagnoli Lynnwood Washington