New Medicare Rule RE: "Centers Of Excellence"

Christie W.
on 6/4/06 12:11 pm - Jacksonville, FL

Help! I just canNOT believe this! I'm all ready to have my surgery and now I just found out that the ONLY place in FL that accepted Medicare & Medicaid hasn't yet received their certification from Medicare to be a "Center Of Excellence". Now what do I do? I live in the Arlington area of Jacksonville in Duval Co. My email is: [email protected] Thank you in advance and God Bless!

Redhaired
on 6/5/06 4:34 am - Mouseville, FL

DS on 07/13/06

Christie- There are several Centers of Excellence in Florida. I believe Palms of Pasadena and Tampa General for example accept Medicare. I would get the list of approved centers and start calling. Remember, it is not all that unusual for people to have to travel to have WLS. Red FL http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx?state=FL#srchResults Ga http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate.aspx?state=GA#srchResults

Christie W.
on 6/5/06 9:36 am - Jacksonville, FL

Hi Red and thanks so VERY much!!!!!!! I'll get right on it tonight and tomorrow! God Bless you!

Julie D.
on 6/5/06 5:57 am - Clearwater, FL

RNY on 09/17/04

While Palms of Pasedena, Tampa General and Town and Country accept Medicare, the respective surgeons for these hospitals do not. At least right now. My understanding is that some may be looking at accepting Medicare. Until they do while your surgery might be covered your surgeon's bill would not be and you would be responsible for that amount.