BARIATRIC CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

[Moonstar66 0]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new and still researching for a doctor who performs the sleeve. I found one and set up a consult, however, the hospital he is affiliated with is not a Bariatric Center of Excellence. How important is this? I need to be educated ion this term. I know a big wig at the hospital and she assures me that the doctor is phenomenal.

Just curious how you guys feel about it....

Thanks!

[hadouni 301]

My insurance defines their own centers of excellence and the bizarre thing is there are different centers of excellence for different insurance plans within my provider (Anthem/Blue Cross). I received conflicting/incorrect information directly from my provider customer service about which places were centers of excellence for me too. I finally had someone e-mail me confirmation of the places I was allowed to go in my area. The surgeon's group can also run your insurance to see if you're covered to see them.

Good luck!!

[PeteO 3]

Here is a pretty good article on what the Bariatric Center of Excellence means ...

http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/oacnews17/bscoe.php

[Moonstar66 0]

Thanks for the responses. Still don't know why when I asked the intake person if the hospital was a Bariatric Center of Excellence, she immediately asked me the name of my insurance company. When I told her, her response was "Oh, you're fine, they'll approve you". ???

[Fusilli66 22]

I have GHI/Emblem Health in NY and they will only approve the procedure if it is done in a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Luckily there are plenty of them in NY so I had no problem finding a doctor who does his surgeries in one.

[Moonstar66 0]

Hi Fusilli66,

I'm in NY too, looking for a surgeon! Tell me about your surgeon - Syosset. I'm on the east end of L.I. Not crazy about using Southampton Hospital.

Thanks!

[longer-life 139]

Thanks for the responses. Still don't know why when I asked the intake person if the hospital was a Bariatric Center of Excellence, she immediately asked me the name of my insurance company. When I told her, her response was "Oh, you're fine, they'll approve you". ???

They are probably NOT a Bariatric Center of Excellence and she knows your insurance probably won't mind. She answered your question with another question, so she wouldn't have to admit the truth. Centers & Surgeons of Excellence promote that left and right. They are proud to have that distinction.

I will admit I am picky and I am lucky to have a good insurance. Not everyone is the same and I understand. For ME a Surgeon of Excellence in a Hospital of Excellence is a must.

My primary doctor, whom I respect, also recommended someone, but he is not a Surgeon of Excellence, so I didn't even call him. The pulmonary doctor that assisted me with the sleep study recommended a hospital that is "close" to being a Hospital of Excellence. No thanks.

Below is the website where you can search for a surgeon in your area. if you wish. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate/

[sleeve 4 me 910]

I had my surgery at a Bariatric Center of Excellence, that is one of the reasons I chose them

[New start 4]

I, frankly would not have considered any program without that designation, and here's why. I am a nurse, and I have worked through the center of excellence process from a professional standpoint. They are tough, and very thorough. If there is incomplete/ poor record keeping, or high % of poor outcomes, or the program tries to cut corners, they note it and move on. There's alot of money available to highly competitive hospitals to have a bariatric program, and many would like to say they do, but there are only a few I would trust with my body, my future with this major surgery.

You are worth it.