Tricare: APPROVED!!!!

[minpinmom 2]

I actually wanted to go to the Nutritionist but Tricare won't pay. Let me know if you hear any different - they seem to be changing policies quite often.

[mommakatx2 0]

Try TriWest Healthcare Alliance. All of my information is listed there. Congratulations and good luck!

Each region has a different website for patient info. We're Tricare North so my info wouldn't be there. Thanks, though!

Did you have to pay out of pocket for the nutritionist appointment?

I was told by my PCM that she would refer me to the doctor, but that Tricare would not pay for the nutritionist visit.

My nutritionist fee was covered by the $300 bariatric program fee I had to pay to the surgeon, but probably isn't payable by Tricare because it's not a required part of their approval process. That's my guess, anyway.

My surgeon called today to give me my date and instructions and I MISSED THE CALL !!! TWICE!!! I work nights and I'm in the middle of 6 12 hour shifts, so I was so exhausted I didn't hear the phone ring today. Oh well, I guess I'll find out tomorrow after I get off of work in the morning.

[Jesusislove 26]

Hi, I had to pay 75.00 for a nutrition eval, but if you live near an MTF it should be done without any charge, you would think.

[mommakatx2 0]

Come to think of it, my PCP put the referral in for a nutritionist eval, but it was just a general one, not related to bariatric surgery. I didn't end up using it though, because I preferred to use the one at the bariatric center (and I had already paid for it).

Ask your PCP for the referral, Tricare should then cover it.

[MSG's_SGM 0]

I was told the same thing. They will cover it they said, if it is billed as a doctors visit that just happened to be about something else and nutrition was discussed. Please...just say "no" and leave it at that.lol Luckily that is the least expensive thing we could have to pay for. In Richmond it is like $45 for your first visit. If they know ahead of time that your ins. doesn't pay it is half of that for return visits. Good luck!

[AZChick289 1]

Oh this is the best info I have had in awhile. I too am Tri Care in Arizona .Have had all my testing and waiting to see who does what now.. I guess I too will start pounding on some desks soon if I don't hear anything .. I am giving it a couple of weeks for all my results to come in. don't know if I get intouch with my PC Dr of my WL clinic. so good to hear Tri-care gets back to us pretty fast ..

Mama have a safe PCsing and keep in touch.

Again this site is wonderful .

AZ Chick sitting and waiting

[mommakatx2 0]

Got my surgery date today--April 23rd! That is THREE days befor we get in a car and drive 18 hours cross country .

Thanks for everything, these forums are fabulous!

[MSG's_SGM 0]

AZ Chick. Remember like Mama said, there are different regions for Tricare. Her and I are in the North region, so just make sure you don't just stay idle thinking that everything is fine. Stay on top of them. Good luck.

[BLESSD2DAY 0]

Thanks For The Reply I Called My Insurance Company And They Said My Policy Does Not Cover Any Weight Loss Surgeries. I Had Already Researched For Dr's In My Area And Found One That Was Highly Recommended, But Without Coverage Is There Anything Else I Can Do Does Appeals Process Work

[Long2BFree 12]

I live in CA and go through Triwest. My nutritionist appointment wasn't covered and I had to pay up front for my psych appointment but he gave me a form to submit for reimbursement. I'll be happy if I get something back because that appointment was expensive.

Mommakatx2 - congrats on getting a surgery date. Make sure your surgeon knows you will be riding in a car that long of a time. There is concern with blood clots when sitting for extended periods of time.

[mommakatx2 0]

Thanks Long2B, I'm a nurse so I'll be very hypervigilant about DVT's. I may ask my doc for Lovenox for a few days, see what he thinks. I also thought about getting SCD's or TED hose for trip. We want to drive straight through as much as possible, so I'll be the car a looooong time. Blech.

[ready_2_lose 0]

I just got a call from Tricare today saying they were approving me to go to the surgeon for my initial appointments. I am so excited because I thought I had actually been turned down! I go to the seminar on April 30th. I am itching to go RIGHT NOW!

Anyone know how long it would take to get approval for the surgery after that?

Thanks!

Dana

[MSG's_SGM 0]

I just got a call from Tricare today saying they were approving me to go to the surgeon for my initial appointments. I am so excited because I thought I had actually been turned down! I go to the seminar on April 30th. I am itching to go RIGHT NOW!

Anyone know how long it would take to get approval for the surgery after that?

Thanks!

Dana

Hi Dana,

I have Tricare North and I am using Dr. Bautista in Richmond, VA. I am very sad that this has taken me so long. My PCM, Tricare, other specialist and myself have been great about timing. The problem is my surgeon is so busy it takes 10 weeks from approval to surgery date. I started the journey in December and I am going to be banded on May 29th. I keep telling myself that he will have just that much more experience by the time he does me.:tongue_smilie: I hope yours is much quicker. Some people have stated that they have only had to wait a short time.

[Long2BFree 12]

Thanks Long2B, I'm a nurse so I'll be very hypervigilant about DVT's. I may ask my doc for Lovenox for a few days, see what he thinks. I also thought about getting SCD's or TED hose for trip. We want to drive straight through as much as possible, so I'll be the car a looooong time. Blech.

Being a nurse I'd say you definately know what to expect.

Where are you PCSing too?

[mommakatx2 0]

Well, my husband is going to Hawaii, but he will be training and then deploying soon after he gets there. We decided it would be best for me to take the kids and go to Colorado, where I have family. I will be joining him in Hawaii when he gets back.