Question:
Medicaid and Duodenal Switch....Is this surgery covered?

I know that medicaid covers RNY, but am wondering if anyone has had the duodenal switch covered by medicaid. Also...did your surgeon charge an upfront fee and was that covered as well. Of the 3 surgeons in Michigan that I know of that perform the DS...I know that two of them charge 4000-4500 before surgery for maintenance fees (still have to check with the 3rd). Did anyone else have this experience? If so did you pay it or change to RNY or travel to find a surgeon that didnt charge the fee. Thanks for any input you can give me.    — ImANewDee (posted on August 23, 2002)

August 23, 2002
I was covered by regular insurance, but my surgeon did charge an up-front cash fee of $3000 before even scheduling the operation and that was not covered by my insurance. Good luck, Diane
   — Diane B.

January 27, 2004
I had the duodenal switch done and medicaid covered it and it was approved in two weeks after submital. I did weigh 457lbs and had diabetes. I did have to travel to Oregon and I live in washington but that was because the only surgeon who performed DS in Washington didn't accept any kind of insurance. So off to Oregon I went and Medicaid paid for it all and approved me in two weeks. I have heard that there are now two other surgeon performing DS in Washington state now and I don't know whether they accept medicaid. I do know the Dr. McConnell at OHSU in Portland Oregon accepts it and he is a wonderful surgeon.
   — Mark L.