Not sure what happened

I put a post in a couple of weeks ago about a question I had but for some reason it is no longer on the board, I am not sure what happened to it but I will try again. I live in WA but my sister, brother in law and their children and my brother, sister in law and their children all live in Michigan. My sister, sister in law, niece, and a cousin all have had gastric bypass surgery done. All are doing great. My problem is this, I am on medicaid and I have two doctors that said they would write to medicaid for me to have the gastric bypass surgery done, the only problem is this, the doctor that I had that was willing to do the surgery wrote to me recently letting me know that he cannot do the surgery because of the state of WA will only allow medicaid patients to go to the UW or somewhere in Spokane to have this done and there is a huge waiting list. My sister in law has invited me to come over there and she would take me to a doctor over there that would take medicaid but cannot seem to get an answer from anyone to tell me if medicaid would approve it? I have 4 children, two of which are younger and cannot just up and move my whole family, it is not possible. I also have an ill parent that counts on me for help sometimes and a brother in law in a wheelchair that my husband is in charge of. I want to just go over for a few months and have the surgery and then come back to WA, I have an excellent doctor that will take over care after that. Please someone let me know if this is possible or what I can do, I need to get this done ASAP. Thanks for reading this long page.

Lorene, I too am on Medicaid and have been on the waiting list since last March for the U of W Medical Center. My doctor was the one who directed me to go there, as they take medicare. I have my first appointment in Novemeber and they say that the time frame for surgry is then about Feb or March. I should assume that Medicare would work in any state, as it is a national program. Suggestions: ~*~ I would call the doctor your sister recomended and ask them this specific question... and the hospital too. ~*~ Go ahead and get your name on the waiting list at the U of W Medical Center..... http://www.uwmedicine.org/PatientCare/MedicalSpecialties/SpecialtyCare/UWMEDICALCENTER/BariatricSurgery/ Take care.... Pam

Lorene while you try to figure out all the logistics get your name on at the uw list.... maybe it is me but are you wanting washington medicaid to pay in michigan? or do you want to go to michigan and get there medicaid. Yes it is a national thing....however it is run by the state...which means each state has different guidelines as to who can get the coverage. I know that it is hard to get wash dshs to pay out of state for some stuff....you know other than true emergencey. I don't know if you could call your caseworker for the information or call michigan to find out... but while your doing this GET YOUR NAME ON THE LIST....by the time you get it all figured out maybe your name will be at the top I wish you the best of luck getting this all sorted out... Come to think of it, we have had a couple of patients at the clinic i work at it get the rny done here in tacoma......not sure where but you could call the northwest center for weight management i am sure they could answer that question Debbie

Lorene, Dr. Shrock in Spokane takes Medicade and Medicare patients. He operates at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane. It is a wonderful facility. I went to Kirkland for my surgery. I live in EAstern Washington. I don't think Dr. Shrock has nearly as long a waiting list. Call him and see. Tell him what you have gone through. The only think is he doesn't do lap surgery only open. But I know several people who he's done surgery on and they've done great. Best wishes. His name is Dr. Lawrence Shrock I believe he's listed on the Oh surgeons page. Karen

Dr. Shrock does not do the laparoscopic surgery, but his colleague, Dr. Macfarlane does. I have Medicare/Medicaid and I met with Mark (Dr. Macfarlane) on the 12th of this month, and his assistant Betty is very knowledgeable about the Medicare/Medicaid requirements. The only problem I am running into with having the surgery is that Mark wants me to lose 30 pounds before he schedules a date to reduce the chances of complications during the Lap procedure. If you want to contact Betty, her number is 509-747-6194 Ext. 141. Call her and ask her anything, if she doesn't know for sure she will find out for you. Oh!! They are with the Surgical Specialists of Spokane. Best of luck!! Cindy

Hi Cindy- I am having my RNY done by Dr. Pennings- Post Falls, Id. He also wants me to lose 20#'s prior to my surgery-EEK. I know the concern. I have been doing Optifast for a week (800 cal) and have not been able to stick with it completely for even one day- By about 6pm I'm reading to eat my entire refridgerator. I am hoping that their real intent is that I do as well as possible for the next few weeks, rather than eat perfectly. This may be what your doctor is intending also. I know they want a liver that is decreased in size and clear, clean intestines so that the surgery field is clear. Also the mental adjustment to not having food be your center of existence is important. But, your right this seems impossible and I also am terrified that my surgery will be delayed until I am able to lose the desired weight. Have you had any luck contacting other patients of Surgical Specialists Spokane to find out if you really have to lose 30# prior? Email back, Tami C

Im not sure about medicaid, other than I know it is a state program. If you are on MEDICARE, which is federal there are lots of places you can go. I went to dr Lauter in Bellevue. My initial consultation was on the 3rd of Oct, my surgery was on the 18th, but I had already done most of the pre op stuff. Are you disabled because of your weight? then try to go on medicare. I am 39, got qualified for medicare and was able to have the surgery. I am very proud to be able to be going off medicare after I recover from this surgery and am able to work and provide my own insurance.