Medicaid/Medicare Centers of Excellence in NE????

Ok, I have completed ALL the testing MY doc required me to do before he would refer me to have the LAP-BAND® walk. So, now I need to know if anyone knows if Creighton U. hospital has in fact been approved for the Center of Exellence regarding the LAP-BAND®. I was told in a weight surgery support group a couple of months ago that they were in the process and that they should have it by June 1. I am just wondering if any one here knows. I emailed the hospital and they won't answer.

Also, does anyone have Dr. Cori McBride for their surgeon? I have heard good things about her and think that I am going to ask for a referal to her. She does her lap bands through Creighton, and that is why I am wondering about the Center of Excellence thing, as medicaid / medicare will ONLY permit a Center of Excellence to perform LAP-BAND® surgery.

Thanks! :) Laurie

I used this site when I was exploring my options.

Surgical Review Corporation - Locate a Center

I don't see Creighton listed yet.

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March Exercise:13/20 Water Aerobics/Stationary Bike/Walking

Thread Starter

Thanks for your reply. I finally rec'd an email reply from Creighton, they have just been approved as a Center of Excellence. BUT the surgeon I would like to use doesn't do her surgeries there. She is at UNMC, but I rec'd an email from them as well and they are just waiting for a visitation inspection or something like that and they will also be a Center of Excellence. :) yeah!

Laurie

Grandmasoon2b,
I just talked to Sue with Dr McBrides office and she said that they are still waiting for their site visit. If you would like, her number is 402-559-5508. She said that they called to find out when it was going to happen and they told her that they just had to wait their turn.

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Barb
Banded March 20, 2007
UNMC, Omaha, NE
H235/S223/C173/G135 5'0"
Before tight size 22, now size 14
Unfilled April 2009 due to NSCLC Stage IIIA

Thread Starter

Has anyone had Dr. Wright do their surgery? I was at a WLS support group a couple months ago and she was recommended...but I would like more than one or two people saying she is good. :) I'm hoping that UNMC will be approved when I am ready to roll. IF not, who would anyone suggest at Creighton to do it? (I'm not thrilled with Creighton hospital, but I want this done and I can survive one or two days there).

Thanks!

Laurie