Question:
Medicare/Medicaid- Panniculectomy. How long and what does it take to get approval?

I started out at 550lbs, and am now at around 280. Down 270lbs . I will be going to the Dr. Wednesday for a check up and will begin the process for approval for my Panniculectomy. I have Medicare as my primary, and Medicaid as my secondary ins. I was wondering what the guidelines were for having this done, and about how long it takes. I have taken pictures of myself to show the loose skin, and pictures of the rashes also. Thank You.    — BigB (posted on October 3, 2004)

October 4, 2004
Hello I am in the state of Tx and I dont know if they do the same in your state but medicare/medicade I have the same and from what my Dr has told me that long as it is medically neccessary that it is not a problem. Just keep keeping the logs to go and show the steps and stages but long as it is medically neccesary they will cover it and if u have a large abdomen your intestints can fall into the hanging part so of course its medically neccessary. I had my gastric and breast reduction done and they covered at 100%. I started out at 485 and I am now 339 and I stated at a 54f bra and I am now a 46d and I thank God I did it I have a ways to go but I cant wait to have the abdominoplasty/pann. Good luck
   — SHAKEITHA M.