CMS (Medicare) approves sleeve gastrectomy!
Last week CMS/Medicare announced approval for sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of obesity. This is exciting news, as prior to this they would only cover gastric band, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch. It is especially exciting because the sleeve is the operation that would most benefit many Medicare recipients! The essence of the ruling is that sleeve is covered for Medicare patients with:
– a BMI over 35
– at least one recognized weight-related comorbidity
– past failure of non-surgical weight loss attempts Click to read the entire announcement. Trace W. Curry MD
Karen Earley says
I attended an informational session at your office a few years ago. My insurance provides no coverage so I did not have surgery. I have continued to struggle with my weight. I am interested in a gastric sleeve procedure and my physician has approved that plan. I will be going on medicare in December. Does Medicare pay total cost? Do you have a waiting list? I would like to have surgery in January if possible. I need to have a knee replacement done but they want me to loose weight first . It is hard to exercise when you are obese and have bad knees !
Trace Curry says
Medicare does cover the sleeve if you meet their criteria. Not sure about what percentage they cover. I would go ahead and get the ball rolloing now for a January surgery, call 513-259-2555 and they can help get you started.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians