Since my other post, I have been digging on the Internet and have found no confirmation of a change in policy in October. I hope you find something other than what I found. As far as what I found, here is what appears to be current policy, from http://www.cms.gov/manuals/downloads/ncd103c1_Part2.pdf with omitted sections indicated by <SNIP>:
100.1 - Bariatric Surgery for Treatment of Morbid Obesity (Various Effective Dates Below)
(Rev. 100; Issued: 04-17-09; Effective Date: 02-12-09; Implementation Date: 05-18-09)
A. General
<SNIP>
1. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP)
<SNIP>
2. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
<SNIP>
3. Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB)
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4. Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a 70%-80% greater curvature gastrectomy (sleeve resection of the stomach) with continuity of the gastric lesser curve being maintained while simultaneously reducing stomach volume. It may be the first step in a two-stage procedure when performing RYGBP. Sleeve gastrectomy procedures can be open or laparoscopic.
5. Vertical Gastric Banding (VGB)
<SNIP>
B. Nationally Covered Indications
Effective for services performed on and after February 21, 2006, Open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), open and laparoscopic Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are covered for Medicare beneficiaries who have a body-mass index > 35, have at least one co-morbidity related to obesity, and have been previously unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity. These procedures are only covered when performed at facilities that are: (1) certified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center (program standards and requirements in effect on February 15, 2006); or (2) certified by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (program standards and requirements in effect on February 15, 2006).
Effective for services performed on and after February 12, 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines that Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a co-morbidity for purposes of this NCD.
A list of approved facilities and their approval dates are listed and maintained on the CMS Coverage Web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/coverage.asp, and published in the Federal Register.
C. Nationally Non-Covered Indications
The following bariatric surgery procedures are non-covered for all Medicare beneficiaries:
Open adjustable gastric banding;
Open and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; and,
Open and laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty.
The two previous non-coverage determinations remain unchanged - Gastric Balloon (Section 100.11) and Intestinal Bypass (Section 100.8).
D. Other
N/A
(This NCD last reviewed February 2009.)