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MUSC Medical Links Charleston Links Archives Catalyst Advertisers Seminars and Events Research Studies Public Relations Research Grants MUSC home page Community Happenings Campus News Applause

 


Pilot program to offer bariatric surgery as treatment option


A legislative proviso has established a one-year pilot program that offers bariatric surgery as a treatment option for morbidly obese patients who meet certain criteria and who are insured with the S.C. State Health Plan.

This includes some of the faculty, staff and health care providers at MUSC. The plan is based on a first-come, first-served policy and is limited to 100 people. Debbie Petitpain, a registered dietitian with the MUSC Bariatric Surgery Team, said that it is encouraging that the state is moving in the direction of increasing coverage for those in need of surgery for morbid obesity.

She encourages anyone interested in being evaluated for the surgery to attend the seminar, “Facts About Weight Loss Surgery.” Seminars are held from 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1 in the first floor auditorium of Ashley River Tower. Registration is required. Call 792-3046, option 9 to register.
At the end of the seminar, there will be discussion about issues related specifically to the State Health Plan pilot project. If anyone is interested and unable to attend the seminars, then call the number above to discuss alternatives for getting this information.
  
“Ultimately, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina will decide which of the appropriate candidates will be selected for surgery. However, it is our hope to eventually achieve universal coverage for all those who qualify and would benefit from weight loss surgery,” Petitpain said.

Friday, Oct. 1, 2010



The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.