Has anyone here tried lately to get medicare coverage of the sleeve? They authorized payment for the by-pass but now after much research I want the sleeve and they won't approve it. Just wondering if anyone else has had any experience like this.

Thanks!

November 21,2011 - Just read letter to CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) from ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery). dated October 24, 2011. This letter displays a number of statistics in support of Medicare approval of laproscopic VSG procedure. It's a good source of statistics demonstrating the efficacy of VSG.

Also just read an article from the American College of Surgeons Surgery News, October 6, 2011. The article states CMS plans to issue a proposed decision by March 30, 2012, and to make a final decision by June 30, 2012, regarding laproscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy approval.

Copy of ASMBS letter is attached.

2011_11_21 - ASMBS_CMS_Sleeve_Letter_Oct_28_2011.pdf

Thank you so much for posting this. I have already had my surgery and am appealing the denial so any info like this is a help in supporting my case. I also sent a copy to my doctor in hopes it might help others in their challenge of denial. Happy Thanksgiving :biggrinjester: :Banane57: