Medicare question - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

Sara518 · 06-07-2008, 09:51 AM

Hi, My medicare begins Aug 1, I got on the phone real quick to a different Dr then the one I had been seeing in the area because once medicare starts I get kicked over to the medicare wait list. which is 3 yrs for my original Dr. At a different Dr a little farther away I called and got my appointment for Aug 6th. They told me that I WILL have surgery within 3-4 months of my 1st appointment. There are a few requirements for medicare......100lbs or more overweight, 35 BMI or higher, soemthing like type 2 Diabetes or High Blood pressure. No diet program or anything like that. know you have to see a nutritionist but I think that is it. You are about 6 weeks ahead of me.........GOOD LUCK and keep in touch so I know what you have to go through. It will be helpful for me.

bebop · 06-07-2008, 01:16 PM

I think the lady told me you have to prove weight loss attempts for like 6 months too. I have to find a surgeon

Sara518 · 06-07-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bebop

I think the lady told me you have to prove weight loss attempts for like 6 months too. I have to find a surgeon

I just spoke to the RN for my Dr the other day. He told me I would have to see a nutritionist but only for a few appointments. He assured me surgery would be within 3-4 months so I am not sure about 6 months of dieting. I would be willing to do it thought. My husbands insurance requires 6 months but I don't think Medicare does. I could be wrong. It will be interesting to see and when I am actually going through it I will post it.

PattyA · 06-07-2008, 02:39 PM

I will be sure and let you guys know what I find out on June 17th...I met with the nutritionist only my first appointment and she gave me a 1200 calorie diet to follow and I haven't done so well. I have made alot of changes in my diet
..such as I have totally stopped drinking diet pop, watch my portions and am eating alot healthier but I have not lost any weight in six weeks. I feel really bad about that. Thanks for all of your input.

bebop · 06-07-2008, 03:38 PM

yes please keep us posted! do either of you plan on choosing a supplemental ins company? I have to choose like in the next week I think

Sara518 · 06-18-2008, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PattyA

I will be sure and let you guys know what I find out on June 17th...I met with the nutritionist only my first appointment and she gave me a 1200 calorie diet to follow and I haven't done so well. I have made alot of changes in my diet
..such as I have totally stopped drinking diet pop, watch my portions and am eating alot healthier but I have not lost any weight in six weeks. I feel really bad about that. Thanks for all of your input.

So how did it go?

Sara

ericajones80@yahoo.com · 06-19-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyMama56

Hi Patty

I had my surgery under Medicare. I never had a PCP, I only went to a Weight Loss Surgery Seminar in Lexington, Ky. It all just snow-balled from there. The Bariatric Clinic there told me when to come back for all my appointments and took care of all the correspondence with Medicare. I was only out $375.00 so far. Haven't received any other bill yet. Hope this helps.

If you don't mind me askin KY, you've only had to pay about $400 for your surgery and everything?

PattyA · 06-19-2008, 09:31 AM

My original appointment was June 17th but the office called and its rescheduled for Friday the 20th. I will keep you guys posted about the outcome...

PattyA · 06-22-2008, 04:44 PM

I did finally get to see the Doc on Friday. I did not get a def. answer as to how Medicare will approve the surgery other than he will request more medical records from my referring dr. and when he reviews them he said that I may have met the requirements already or it may be a 3 months diet or six months. I do have order for more blood tests, 12 lead EKG and his office will set me up to have an endoscopy of esophagus & stomach to r/o any problems that would cause problems during surgery. I'm supposed to lose 5-15 lbs before surgery on a 1200 cal. diet. I'm just happy to be the "road" to surgery! I'll keep you posted...

Claire-in-Texas · 06-22-2008, 07:10 PM

I have Medicare and a Medicare supplement, and in April 2007 I just breezed through the process. This may have changed since then - things are always changing. I wish you the best of luck.