Question:
Using Iowa Medicaid/MediPASS out-of-state?

I am a pre-op, early in the stage of my journey (I just attended the surgeon's seminar on 10/15/03), but I am very upset due to the fact that I will probably have to wait for about 8 months to even get a consultation! I have Iowa Medicaid/MediPASS (state aid) and I was wondering if it were possible to use my Medicaid card out-of-state, if I can find a Doctor with a shorter waiting list that accepts Medicaid? If you have any information about this at all, please, please, email me? I really need help here! Thank you so much! Sherry Weber    — SherryWeber (posted on October 19, 2003)

October 19, 2003
Have you looked into other doctors in Iowa that take Medicaid? That would be the easiest way for approval. I know that some of the hospitals and medical groups in bordering states have an agreement with Iowa Medicaid, so you might try some of them (I've known people who go to Omaha, for instance, or to Rochester, MN for medical procedures). I also don't know how long the waiting list is for University of Iowa, but one lady I know was able to go for an initial consultation with about a two-month wait. I know how frustrating it is to wait...I don't have Medicaid, but was told when I called the first doctor that I couldn't get an appointment until January (called in June). I called my current surgeon, and was able to get in in about three weeks. Good luck.
   — Shelly M.

October 19, 2003
I used Dr Breiling in Cedar rapids, IOwa for my surgery. I was able to get in to see him in about 4 weeks, got paper work down and had surgery within approx 3 months time. E-mail me if you like. I also had medicaid.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 19, 2003
Sherry, I have read others profiles who have traveled out of their homestate for surgery who were on medicaid. That said I just wanted to let you know that you can call and see about cancellations for consults, it happens, so you could get in sooner. When I initially contacted a surgeon, I called in January and my appt. was november 11th. I was so upset. So I came to this site, found another surgeon and called for a consult and I got an 4/28/03 date. Well the doc I saw in the first week of may (april appt was postponed because of doctors strike) and they gave me a surgery date of 4/2/04 and boy was I upset, the other surgeons office called and moved my consult up to July 9th and I got a surgery date of 10/23/03. So one I had a long wait for the consult and a short wait for the surgery and the other It was quick getting in for the consult but an extremely long wait for surgery. I think that you are going to end up waiting at least a little bit if the surgeon is one who is in demand. Okay, I hope this was at least a little helpful to you. I know you will be joining me on the losing side!! Lisa (lap/rny 10-23-03) 331/331/141 (all weights are approximate LOL)
   — Lisa H.