Question:
How long does it take & is it a yearly approval for the Hospital of Excellence Award

I would think that would be for the whole Hospital not just for the Bariatric Surgery, then why would they not have to stop all Bariatric Surgeries or do they I understood "Just Medicare/Medicaid Patients? I'm just getting tired of waiting & very anxious to get the Surgery behind me & start a new beginning.    — Carolyn Hutson (posted on February 23, 2009)

February 23, 2009
They must have this acreditation for medicare/medical to cover the surgery. They need it for each department individually. So baricatics must get their approval. This assures you will get good treatment once you are approved. It may be disapointing to wait but it is important to use places that have safe practices.
   — trible

February 23, 2009
They don't "stop" all surgeries... they just don't pay for them. Medicare requires that it is a Center of Excellence in order to cover the cost of the procedure. You might want to look into other hospitals and/or surgeons in your area. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

April 24, 2009
it take about two years or more to get the hosptial approved.. a doctor that i am working with is in the process and that is what they were told about two years
   — love12378681