Illinois Medicaid

Taylormariie118 · October 20, 2015

Hello I've decided I want to get the bypass or sleeve. . . I'm in the south burbs of Chicago and have harmony which is medicaid. I talked to my primary he said it's a good idea. What should my next steps be?

Learningtolive · October 20, 2015

Find a surgeon to talk with them about your options of type of surgery and to discuss the steps with you. Many of the hospitals have days where you go to a seminar about weight loss surgery as well, I know Northwestern has them twice a month or so. Or ask your primary if he knows of a bariatric surgeon to refer to you.

Taylormariie118 · October 20, 2015

My primary said they can only refer me to dr shayani who only does lapband cause he's the only one in network.. so they told me to call my insurance & get a list of surgeons. ..

So I called my insurance & they said they have to have a letter of medical necessity from my pcp before they even give me names of people I can go to.... so I made an appointment with my pcp again. Hopefully he'll know exactly what to do because this is frustrating

Learningtolive · October 21, 2015

Illinois Medicaid is frustrating to say the least. I've worked with Medicaid patients since being a nurse and it's terrible the hoops some have to jump through for simple things, or the waits for stuff too. Good luck!