zazzer

Well, my surgeon called me. Its looks clear, Medicare will pay. I’m singed in for the VSG surgery. My first meeting is on April 24. This will start the process; now praying I qualify in all departments for the surgery.

My surgeon is trying to do a Medicare patient here in Pennsylvania. The first Medicare patent for them and the VSG. I was supposed to see how it went and I’d follow. Well, They sent in the request. Over a month ago. No word. I talked to the coordinator, no word yet. She had told me that Pennsylvania is not a very proactive state. I’m not sure what that means but I don’t like it. The word to start with was it looks hopeful, now the word is (I just don’t know) I’m disappointed to say the least. I’m 54 now. I sure would like the surgery soon. I’m thinking if I could supplement my Medicare with something extra would I have a chance? Where could I even get council on this issue? Ahhhh.

I'm in Pa. my Doc. admissions called me, they are doing someone this month on medicare, there going to let me know how the billing and such went and she said it looks good .

ya all are too helpfull here, i feel like a jerk. did i say something stupid

pennsylvania !! anyone know .??? please , How do you find out. ?

Hello I found some information on when Medicare will cover the sleeve from the O A C. Obeasity Action Coalitition, the web site http://www.obesityaction.org/home/index.php. I had written them in June this year. I will share an email I'd written them in regards my concern. my original email is at the end. The answer email >>> From: "Stephanie Wielinski"<stephanie@obesityaction.org> To: "'Gerard'" <gerardzazzer@gmail.com> Subject: RE: Medicare Date: Thursday, June 30, 2011 10:09 AM Thank you for contacting the OAC. We apologize for the delayin a response To you. We were out of town at a convention and are getting things settled Now after retuning. Currently VSG (Sleeve Gastrectomy) is specifically excluded by Medicare. It would take a re-opening of the Medicare National Coverage Decision to change the exclusion. As are-opening of the National Coverage Decision would require a reanalysis of the data for all of bariatric surgery (not just the sleeve) it is an elaborate process that takes time to prepare for. We anticipate the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery will be pursuing such a re-opening at the earliest next year but likely the year after. Stephanie Wielinski Special Projects Coordinator Obesity Action Coalition 4511 North Himes Ave., Ste. 250 Tampa, FL 33614 800-717-3117 stephanie@obesityaction.org -----Original Message----- From: Gerard [mailto:gerardzazzer@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, June 17, 2011 9:49 AM To: info@obesityaction.org Subject: Medicare Hello. I'm Gerard I was wondering if you had any information on if , when medicare would be covering the vertical sleeve gastrectomy? thanks sincerely.Gerard

I thought Medicare pays for the lap band and the ruin y gastric bypass surgery, as well as the d switch . but they don’t yet pay for the sleeve. If anyone has any updated information on when Medicare will cover the sleeve please share it. I feel comfortable with the sleeve and would go ahead and do it. But Medicare does not cover it yet, What’s there problem?

That’s discouraging news, very frustrating, I’ve been waiting too. I’ve been emailing Northeast Bariatric center Hazelton Pa they recently started doing the sleve. They implied that Medicare makes changes in February which is now. I’ll still inquire later this month. I’ll post what I hear and I hope it's good news, but I know Tiffykins your sure doing your homework thanks for that. Thanks . G

Hello, everyone My doctor ‘s admission person, at Northeast Bariatric center Hazelton pa says that Medicare doesn’t cover the sleeve. also She said. Medicare assigned a fee schedule for the VSG and gave it a code, definitely good news she said. She also said that Medicare usably makes changes in February so I’m hopeful. Northeast Bariatric center just recently started doing the VSG. I don’t know. Has anyone gotten the sleeve covered by Medicare to date?

Hello to everyone. As of yet I’m have not had any weight loss surgery. I’m glad to see a forum on the vertical sleeve. I became interested in vsg for an option to my problem because I didn’t like the roux n y for the vitamin absorption issue for me it’s a bit radical. But I like the vsg it’s very simple and practical. And vitamin absorption is not such an issue. I think it would work for me. I’m looking forward to exploring the forum and other benefits to the vsg. I’ve been on the fence about any surgery but it looks like it’s the only way for me to improve the quality of my life. I’m a 400 plus lb. man. And 52 years old I get around all right because a 235 lbs I was thin people say. Muscular and active. I got a job that’s sedentary and became less active and well well well. The short story version. Thanks for listening. Helps to know others have been there.