Tricare and Dr. McBride

Hey guys, I went to my regular military doc yesterday for some annual stuff and she told me Tricare had e-mailed all the docs telling them to quit submitting referrals for PS on WLS patients. I guess they were just blanketed with them along with WLS referrals. I don't know if it would be worth fighting or not, but this is something new! Also, I haven't made my consultation appointment yet and wondered what anyone could tell me about Dr. Cori McBride. I tend to like female docs and thought I'd probably like her. Yes? M.

Martha, I have never met Dr. McBride, but my niece has and she is having surgery with her very soon. She just cannot say enough good things about her. She thinks shes wonderful, very understanding and will answer all your questions. We are also Tricare, and I had no problems with them. Of course when I started the process they weren't paynig for laparoscopic surgeries and I hassled with them a little over this, they only wanted to pay for open surgery. Then within about 3 weeks they changed the policy again and I got to have my rny done lap. I do not know about PS, but I do know this surgery is well worth a fight if you have to. Over all Tricare is very easy to work with. I never had to pay a dime out of pocket. Everything was taken care of and paid by Tricare. Rhonda (in O'Neill) 312/219/155??

Thanks so much for your reply, Rhonda. I made my appointment with Dr. McBride today. I have heard only good things about her also. Tricare screwed up my initial referral. They referred me to a plastic surgeon! Then they blamed my PCM for submitting the referral wrong. Just crazy. I am getting it straightened out, though. I am hoping to have a lap also. I already have a vertical c-section scar, so I would really rather not have a road map thing going on! M.

Hi, Martha I am a patient of Dr. McBride's and I would recommend her in a heartbeat. I had my lap RNY surgery on July 12, 2005. I also have a vertical c-section scar and didn't want to look like the bride of frankenstein. Neither of these were a problem and my lap procedure went fine. Dr. McBride does an information seminar the first and third monday of each month, you may find it helpful to attend, actually I think they require it. Her nurse Melissa is the best and will go out of her way to help you get your insurance taken care of. They worked to get an approval for mine for a year and a half and never gave up. I can not say enough good things about Dr. McBride and her staff. Christa is the doctor who works with her and she is fantastic. They are a very caring staff and work to help you with any questions and concerns that you have. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me at [email protected]. I'm only a week and a half post-op, but I will answer anything I can. I think your decision to use Dr. McBride will be a very good decision for you and your health. Angie