Part 2 Re: Medicare policy

[Guest guest]

> That was incredibly depressing Pam...................Elle

First they say the following:

" The safety of intestinal bypass surgery for treatment of obesity has

not been demonstrated. Severe adverse reactions such as steatorrhea,

electrolyte depletion, liver failure, arthralgia, hypoplasia of bone

marrow, and avitaminosis have sometimes occurred as a result of this

procedure. It does not meet the reasonable and necessary provisions

of §1862(a)(1) of the Act and is not a covered Medicare procedure. "

It's quite clear they are referring to the old Sopiunaro with the

50cm CC, which of course has been corrected, because

43847 with small bowel reconstruction to limit absorption

IS covered!

It's all clear to me now just why our surgeons must code correctly.

Those who are reluctant must somehow be convinced to play the game!

I may be too optimistic in my interpretation of all this, but it

seems like you could make a good case in your appeal. I have more

info to post but have to go towork now, so, later gang!

F.