I went to see Dr. Averbach yesterday, I have to have UGI series to be done.

Could you recommend me a radiology office in Maryland or in Washington DC, which is familiar with gastric band?

Thanks in advance.

Start/Current/Goal

lbs 230/159/130

Surgery 24 Nov 06

Dr. András Vereczkei ((he's awesome!!))

Medical School University of Pécs, Hungary

5cc in a 10cc band

Edited March 30, 200818 yr by katalin.e.

Hi Katalin - My doc is Singh. I can't recommend who, to use but I can tell you something you need to request, a baseline or scout xray. I used Seton radiology and when Singh and I looked at my xrays they did not do a baseline (or as he calls it a scout xray). It is an xray taken before you drink anything. I assumed since Seton is at St Ag where I had the surgery they would do a lot of these, I was wrong. It ended up fine he was able to see what he needed but whoever you use make sure they do that preswallow xray.

Good Luck!

Kathy

Hi Katschai,

Thanks so much...

My wonderful surgeon is in Hungary, in a hospital he comes to the radiology, to check my barium swallow in person.

Now I went to see Dr. Averbach, here in Maryland ...

he gave me a prescription for UGI series.

It is very confusing for me.

I have no idea whom should I call, I have asked Dr. Averbach if he can recommend an office but left his office without any recommendations.

So, when you had this baseline (or a scout xray)

where did you go to?

St. Agnes?

do you have a phone number?

I have aetna, but I don't think it will cover it, would you know how much are these xrays self-pay?

THANKS so much for your help.....

I am in desperate need of help for information.

Start/Current/Goal

lbs 230/159/130

Surgery 24 Nov 06

Dr. András Vereczkei ((he's awesome!!))

Medical School University of Pécs, Hungary

6.5cc in a 10cc band

Katalin.e.,

I did not go back very far in the posts so I don't know what kind of problem you are having, but your insurance has to cover any tests that you need to have for any problem that you are experiencing if it endangers your health. EVEN IF they did not pay of the band and EVEN IF the problem you are having now is related to the band.

As for a doctor, try Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, they take almost every insurance and they have a good bariatrics department. There is also a Dr. Gail Wynn at Christiana hospital that I understand is very good. Christiana is near Wilmington, Delaware, just north of Baltimore and south of Philadelphia.

Just go have the test done and let them bill your insurance. If they deny the claim (which I doubt), appeal the decision, and if you have to take the matter to the insurance commissioner's office for the state. By the way, there is a law in Maryland that any company that has 50 or more employees MUST cover bariatric surgery. So just get the problem diagnosed and treated and then fight with the insurance (the provider will often be more willing to help you argue with the insurance company if it is their money on the line too).

Good luck,

Laura

Laura,

Where did you get information regarding any company in Maryland with over 50 employees MUST cover bariatric surgery? What about exclusions? My friend has been trying for about two years and her insurance won't pay for it. I'm sure that the company that she works for has at least 50 employees. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

The law was passed by MD legislature in 2005. If a large company is self insured they can exclude the procedure. For example 8 years ago I worked for carefirst BCBS and they excluded the procedure.

http://mlis.state.md.us/2005rs/chapters/Ch_301_SB0333T.pdf

I can't find the final bill but here is the senate version. She can also contacted the Maryland Insurance Administration. Good Luck