Question:
how do i get started? does medicare pay?

   — sorrellsmjr (posted on June 4, 2007)

June 4, 2007
Medicare will usually pay if surgery is a medical necessity, and you have a BMI over 40. The best place to get started is call Medicare to find out the requirements for you personally, and find a very reputable Dr. The Dr's office will usually file all paperwork and help you. Good luck on your future new life!
   — cherryj

June 4, 2007
Medicare requires you to have the surgery done at a "Center of Excellence" so make sure the surgeon you chose does the surgery at a center of excellence.. you can go to ... http://www.asbs.org/html/about/membersearch2.html and put in your zipcode and check center of excellence and you will be able to find surgeons in your area. Good Luck, Michele
   — michelemcd

July 7, 2007
I'm Medicare and just starting the process. Michelle is correct, they do require a "Center of Excellence". But it is my understanding that they also require a six month supervised diet.
   — cholekai