Question:
Medicare ????

Well, I have done some research on this and what i am reading is that Medicare will pay for this surgery----do they usually need the 6mo dr. supervised diet? and if i understand it right you cannot precert right??? Any feedback on this    — antkneemom (posted on January 18, 2006)

January 18, 2006
I am on Medicare due to renal failure two years ago and they paid for my surgery. I was not required to have 6 months of supervised diet and did not have to go through the precert. All that the doctor had to tell them was that I had at least one comorbidity. I had hypertension, diabetes and the risk of losing my new kidney. They was more than enough for them to pay for it. Sleep apnea or joint degeneration also qualifies people with Medicare as well. Good luck on your journey!
   — Pamela B.

January 18, 2006
Robin you can look at my profile I've just been approved for surgury by the doctor and I'm on medicare. I list everything you need for approval depending on your medical problems which if your on medicare you defiantely have them if your under 65. I was approved because my BMI was way over 60 so I didn't have to have the six months of dieting. But I have documentation anyway due to having done it in the past. Gather all your information and keep a copy for yourself. Get as much of the records. Like where you were dieting like nutrisystems or medifast program thru someone. Also Medical history helps also. Diabetes, Hypertension, Peripherial Vascular Disease, also before you do anything talk to the doctor and find out what he accepts because most surgeons want you to pay a program fee and part of the his fee upfront. also the hospital is the same way. I have to pay $250.00 for program and $1800 for the doctor then $950 for the hospital. Then medicare takes care of everything else. Good luck to you.
   — Deborah Joyner

January 20, 2006
I suggest you go right to Medicare and talk to them, rather than relying on second-hand information.
   — Novashannon

January 23, 2006
I have Medicare. I had my surgery done 2 years the 5th of next month. Medicare paid for everything. I never had to pay the first penny. Read my profile, I had all kinds of comorbidites, including artificial joints. My BMI was 42 now my BMI is 22.4. My weight was 211, now I am at 115lbs. Like I said, check out my profile, it tells all. Good luck and keep in touch. Cindy
   — cindirella