Tricare and authorization for Sleeve

[Pamella Person 0]

I am Tricare Prime in the State of Florida. I have been waiting for a year now to find out if and when Tricare South Prime will allow the Sleeve procedure. Can anyone help me. I cant have the bypass cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Band wont' do me anygood cause im an emotional eater.

[savinggrace 6]

Tricare Prime does allow it. You need a referral from you PCM. Good Luck!

[Pamella Person 0]

I just got a letter from them that said it is not a covered procedure. I want the sleeve and not bypass. Can you give me anymore information plz

[gingersnap 11]

I feel for you! Please keep us posted on what you find out. I do have hope that Tricare will cover it soon, my surgeon says they are about a year out and I believe them. Because when I had my LapBand they did not cover it so I picked up another insurance through my work and had the LapBand. Then like magic within a year they covered the LapBand and I was able to drop my insurance and go back to Tricare Prime 100% for all the follow-up and unfortunately the removal of my band. Now it's a hurry up and wait situation until they cover the VSG!

[gingersnap 11]

Have you considered using an Military Treatment Facility. Those that have WLS will sometimes cover VSG without needing to mess with Tricare. I'm looking into that as my next option.