Question:
What medicaid doctors cover this surgery in KCMO?

I have medicaid and live in Kansas City, Mo. I really need the surgery but, don't know if medicaid will pay, and if not what other insurance can? And, how long do I have to have it before I get the surgery? Also, I am looking for a place that does the surgery. I am quite new to this and need all the info I can get. I am looking to have the Realize Band Surgery. Thanks!    — noo-noo35 (posted on September 17, 2008)

September 17, 2008
Go to your state board on obesity.com and look for surgeons in the Kansas City, Mo. area. They usually indicate beside their name whether they participate in Medicaid or not. Marti in San Jose
   — Marti P.

September 17, 2008
Hi, You can start with the Medicaid office and find out if they cover the surg. I am in Florida and had to wait till open enrollment and change to Staywell-Wellcare. While I was waiting for open enrollment I had ALL my weightloss-supervisored diets done and all the pre reqs for the surg. My reg PCP did all the test and I got the name of surg. DR. went to the info meeting and the Dr also new what was going to be needed to be ready. All went well, soon as I could actually go see the surg all we had to do was set the date. Good luck to you. Keep up with everything..it was the best thing I have done!
   — tootsie52

September 17, 2008
Howdy neighbor! You are not far from me down I-70. Just wanted to say hi. I live in Columbia Missouri and Missouri Barariatrics did my surgery here in Columbia at the University of MO Hosp and Clinincs 3 years ago. Medicaid paid for mine also. Their phone number is 573-882-5673. They would probrably know of a doctor in your area. Just thought I would FYI! Have a good day!
   — trishhooper

September 18, 2008
I had surgery 4 years ago in Nov. I had it done at truman medical on homes st. I too had medicaid give them a call
   — melisa789

September 18, 2008
I don't know about Medicaid, but Dr. Roger Delatorre at DePaul in ST. Louis is the best - his outcomes are great. He's done several people I know as well as myself.
   — urrn4u

September 22, 2008
Dr Delatorre is here in Columbia MO as well at Missouri Bariatrics at the University of Missouri Hosp and Clincs, because he assisted Dr James Scott with mine in 2005. I think Dr Scott is now back DePaul in St Louis and Dr Delatorre is still here with Dr Sottmoeller. I had medicaid and Medicare because I am disabled. These are all good doctors. I have lost over 130 pounds with my gastric bypass surgery. Medicaid does not cover the surgery that Dr Delatorre does, the band one. That is what they told me 3 years ago, because you do not lose as much weight with it. Hopes this helps!
   — trishhooper