Does Medicare require an accredited bariatric hospital?

[gkhtoys 19]

Hello! I'm a new member on this site and I had a question....does Medicare require you to got to an accredited doctor of excellence? (or something like that...). I'm getting ready to attend an informative free weight loss gastric sleeve seminar near my hometown but, the surgeon and the hospital are not on the 173 verified hospitals for medicare patients. The closest center is 3 hours away (320+ round trip miles). It will be a real financial challenge to do so much traveling back and fourth. I also have an older car with a lot of miles on it...what can I do? Any suggestions?

[JessNewGoals25 23]

Hi not sure how much of a help I'll be but I would double check with the hospital you're planning on going through & your insurance. I already attended my seminar back in October but was disappointed that I did my first required support group with a different hospital and when I called in to the hospital where my surgeon is affiliated with I was told it didn't count so now I have to go on the 15th to the right location.

I'm not going to say it was for nothing; even though that's how I felt at first but I received some really great info there. But they didn't make the info on the paper clear it just said "attend a support group near year & contact them with the date & location" that told me that I could attend any but that's not what they meant. So just double check to make sure your seminar counts so you don't have to repeat it again.

[gkhtoys 19]

Thanks for the info. JessNewGoals25!

[JessNewGoals25 23]

You're welcome

[FAT TWO FABULOUS 124]

Yes

veronica