tricare standard and medicare

Hey ya'll, I have a friend interested in wls. She has tricare stand and medicare. She has found a doc in Oxford who accepts but would like to find someone closer. Does anyone out there know of any docs in Jackson or on the Coast who accepts this type of insurance? Thanks! Sheri

Hi sheri, have ya'll looked on the board at the bariatric surgeons and hospitals? (under the ms board) most of them have phone #s listed. I think arlies had some type of tricare she used at keesler. Someone will probably post some useable info. By the way, how are you doing? I, myself am stuck at 40 lbs. My body acts like I didn't have surgery. I joined a gym last week and doggone if it didn't burn up last night! It was only $25 a month too. Anyway, I wish your friend the best!

Good morning!! Dr. William Whitehead{Hattiesburg Clinic} does not accept Tricare. I spoke directly with one of the staff employees last week and she informed me that Tricare is accepted for general surgery but hasn't been approved or rather they are not a network provider for Tricare when it addresses WLS. I have Tricare Prime and discovered that Dr. Stephen Sudderth/River Region Hospital/Vicksburg, MS does accept Tricare. I spoke with a patient advocate earlier this week and she informed me that my insurance is accepted. However, with Tricare Prime I have to have a referral from my primary care physician. Now, with Tricare Standard this may or may not be the procedure. Dr. Salameh, Jackson, MS also accepts tricare standard. I received an email from Central Mississippi Medical Center (CMMC) that they are not accepting Tricare at this present time; also, I contacted the gulf coast and they do not accept tricare/NOT Keesler... another one... located in Ocean Springs. I ALSOooooo spoke with a rep at Keesler; they have a waiting list and hope to get the program reactivated by the fall. HOWever, Connie (from the forum) advised me that Dr. Jenkins is also in controversy with Keesler re: continuing WLS at Keesler.... Hope this info helps you to some degree... s keep you safe, Wanda Mack

I have tricare standard and medicare. I did my surgery at Keesler, but know for a fact that UMC and Dr. Salameh accepts BOTH!!! (I was in line at UMC before I went to Keesler cause the wait (and my Doc left) was way long. Also you might want to check with the Covington, LA group. I am pretty sure they take medicare, but don't know about tricare. smoochies Arlies

Hi Arlies!! I have missed not seeing your post online; it is good to see you! The Southern Surgical Group in Covington, LA will accept tricare standard but not prime... they were extremely informative and helpful. The number I have for that group of surgeons is 985-641-0600. Hope all is having a restful weekend and staying cool. s keep you safe, Wanda Mack

Thanks to all of your responses! I will relay the info and hope it helps her. You are all great! Sheri