Question:
Has anyone had surgery w/ Dr. Marema? Used BC/BS Health Options?

I have a two-fold question. I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has had surgery with US bariatrics (Dr. Marema and his team) and also if anyone in Florida has been approved by Blue Cross Blue Sheild Health Options? I was wondering what their requirement for a diet history is? I cant seem to get a straight answer. Thanks in advance.    — Tara J. (posted on March 21, 2003)

March 21, 2003
Tara, I did not have surgery with Dr. Marema, but I know that he is no longer par with BCBSFL Health Options. They will not approve someone not in their network. You still see him, but it would be self pay. I think he charges $9 - $11,000.00.
   — Sharon H.

March 21, 2003
I used US Bariatrics with Health Options, but they no longer accept it. I first came to them because they were the closest to us that accepted our insurance. I don't know who takes it now. Find a surgeon that takes your insurance and then go to find a doc and look at the posts there about your pick.
   — faybay

March 21, 2003
I had my surgery with Dr. Marema (and his team), and I am so glad that I did! I think he is a great surgeon. Tons of experience and very educated in bariatric surgery. Also, they really believe in educating us (the patients). It seems like there are so many surgeons that don't deal with the after care. I don't mean health wise, but 'what to do after your surgery regarding food and how and what to eat'. I highly recommend him. I have BCBS Federal Plan. I know their office doesn't work with them anymore. However BCBS will still pay 75% or close (this is my BC). Please feel free to email me privately!
   — Stacy L.

March 21, 2003
I am from Brevard County and because I had heard so many good things about Dr. Marema that I also wanted to go with him. But sorry to say, he does not accept Health Options. Or at least not when I was looking into him a couple months ago. But I am having my surgery on April 7 and I am going to Dr. Wizman and he is in Margate <lauderdale> Not that much further. If I can be of help in any way please contact me and good luck. Krysti
   — Krysti H.

March 21, 2003
I was initially going to use USBariatrics, they are a great team... but, I have BCBS of Florida and they don't accept it. I am now going through the approval procedure at the Cleveland Clinic (Dr. Szomstein will be my surgeon) in Weston. The hospital is beautiful, Dr. Szomstein is very reassuring, and they take BCBS!
   — Tim W.

March 22, 2003
I just got approved from BCBS after they denied my for not having 12 months of supervised dieting. I appealed while useing Walter and Kelly Lindstrom and i won. Health Options is very strick when i comes to having the supervised diet. Just know it can be appeal in your favor
   — lalulan