Latest news with #Charbel
Business Wire
22-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Digestive Care Specialists Now Offering Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) With Insurance Coverage in Germantown, Maryland.
GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Digestive Care Specialists is proud to announce the launch of its Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) program in Germantown, Maryland, offering patients a minimally invasive weight loss option with insurance coverage options now available. ESG is an outpatient procedure that helps patients lose 18-20% of their weight without incisions or surgery. Share ESG is an advanced, non-surgical weight loss procedure that uses an endoscopic suturing device to reduce stomach volume, helping patients achieve 18-20% total body weight loss without incisions or removal of stomach tissue. The procedure is performed entirely through the mouth, resulting in faster recovery times, minimal downtime, and fewer risks compared to traditional bariatric surgeries. 'We are thrilled to provide this life-changing procedure to our patients struggling with obesity,' said Dr. Halim Charbel, MD, Gastroenterologist and Endoscopic Weight Loss Specialist at Digestive Care Specialists. 'ESG bridges the gap between medical weight loss and surgical options, giving patients an effective, minimally invasive tool to achieve their health goals.' Insurance Coverage Now Available Medicare now covers ESG for patients meeting bariatric surgery criteria (BMI ≥40, or BMI ≥35 with an obesity-related condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea). Commercial insurance carriers may cover ESG on a case-by-case basis, depending on plan requirements, prior authorizations, and appeals submitted by the medical practice. 'We are excited that Medicare coverage is now in place for ESG, and we are working closely with commercial insurers to obtain approval for eligible patients,' Dr. Charbel added. 'Our team supports patients through every step – from insurance authorization to nutritional counseling and long-term follow-up.' About Digestive Care Specialists Digestive Care Specialists is a leading gastroenterology practice in Maryland, specializing in advanced endoscopic weight loss procedures, general gastroenterology, and digestive health optimization. The team is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help patients achieve better health and quality of life. The ESG procedure is performed at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital.
L'Orient-Le Jour
21-07-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Rai: Diaspora voting for only 6 MPs instead of all 128 'form of exclusion'
Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai took a stand on Sunday during a Mass in Anaya, in the heights of Jbeil, in favor of Lebanese expatriates voting for all 128 members of Parliament, rather than for six additional MPs elected exclusively by the diaspora. During a Mass celebrating Saints Charbel and Elias, the head of the Maronite Church argued that Article 112 of the electoral law, which provides for these six extra seats, "annuls the right of Lebanese abroad to vote in their original constituencies" and constitutes a "violation of the Constitution and the principle of equality." The Mass took place at the Saint Maron Monastery, in the presence of the head of state, Joseph Aoun, his wife Nemat and several political leaders. Patriarch's meeting with prime minister yesterday Salam received by Rai Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri blocked on June 30 an amendment to the electoral law that would have allowed the diaspora to elect the 128 MPs in their original constituencies, as was the case in 2018 and 2022, rather than six parliamentarians specifically for emigrants. Lebanese expatriates had a significant influence on the overall results in the 2022 elections, which saw the election of approximately a dozen MPs from the substantial 2019 protest movement. 'Contrary to equality principle' between Lebanese residents, expatriates "While Lebanon faces existential threats, we are now witnessing divisions among political leaders concerning Article 112 of the current electoral law, which was suspended in the 2018 and 2022 polls," Rai said in his homily. He argued that "the creation of six constituencies reserved for expatriates goes against the principle of equality between residents and emigrants, guaranteed by the Constitution." In Rai's view, "limiting expatriates to six parliamentary seats undermines their connection with their homeland and their families and deprives them of participating in political life. What we see in Article 112 is a form of exclusion." He called for "Lebanese from the diaspora to be able to vote freely based on their original constituencies," thus urging the abolition of Article 112. 'Few words, many deeds' Addressing the president, Rai said that his "visit to the tomb of Saint Charbel is a sign of hope. Lebanon needs leaders like Saints Charbel and Elias: few words, many deeds." "Your presence today confirms that Lebanon, despite everything, remains built upon two fundamental pillars: God and his saints. We pray that God grants you patience and wisdom to lead Lebanon, which is currently going through a delicate and challenging period, requiring deep reflection to overcome. You believe in it and you work for it," he continued. Saint Charbel, born Youssef Makhlouf, was a 19th-century Maronite monk and priest. He is celebrated on the third Sunday of July by the Maronite Church and on July 24 by the Latin Church. He is among the most venerated and popular saints in Lebanon. Saint Elias, meanwhile, commemorates the Old Testament prophet Elijah every July 20.
