Question:
Has anyone been told by a hospital that is a medicare provider that Medicare Part A

never ever covers gastric bypass surgery?? And then charged a deposit in order for the surgery to be preformed??? We are trying to find out how many times this has happenned. Please email me at [email protected]    — Bridget E. (posted on March 18, 2001)

April 14, 2001
Good Sam Hospital in Downers Grove, Il wants $24,000.00, up front. The doctor will take Medicare but the hospital said they won't because Medicare won't pay. I called Medicare, They said with the right digonistic cade they will. Good Sam says NO. Iam crying because I want this surgery, Have an appointment with the doctor on May 4, 2001 and they want to cancel because they said it might be a waste of time for right now.
   — blank first name B.

April 14, 2001
Medicare is the only insurance I have, I have part A and part B. I had my surgery 5 weeks ago, it took 2 weeks and 1 letter for me to be approved for my surgery. Medicare covered everything except for the deductable and 20%, I did not have to pay anything to the hospital or Doctor's office up front, both agreed to put me on a monthly payment plan for my portion of the bill. I received my first bill about 4 weeks after the surgery. Maybe you could try to find another hospital, good luck with everything!
   — Joy S.