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Medicare to cover three forms of obesity surgery

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, February 28, 2006

Medicare has agreed to pay for three forms of bariatric surgery at facilities that have been certified as well as qualified by the American College of Surgeons or the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, according to a report in the Washington Post.

Medicare will pay for Roux-en-Y bypass and open or laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversions for patients who are obese and suffering from health problems related to their weight.

Because private health insurers often follow Medicare's lead, the decision could open the door for broader coverage of obesity procedures, according to the article.

Click here to read the Washington Post article.

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