Anyone with tricare??

Anyone here with tricare been denied for plastic surgery?

What was the reason for the denial?

My friend was denied for a TT. They didnt feel that it was a medical necessity. Her doc documented as it was. She had so many problem with the extra skin and even had infections and back pain. She fought and fought and tricare basicly said that they dont have to cover plastic surgery.

I heard that tricare covers it if your on the east or west coast because youcan do it t the military hospital. She feels discriminitaed against because of it and is thinking a class action lawsuit.

 I am seeing a doctor tomorrow to try and get approved for a panni. I read the guidelines in the handbook. I will most likely have a hard time based on what the doctors office said. I fit the rules tricare has listed for the most part. I have heard its been really hard to get approved. If I am denied I will just keep going to the doctor about it.  If anyone knows how to get this done please post it.

The trick with Tricare is that they want to know that the skin is making you ill.  Be sure the doc gives you a prescription -- and a referral to a dermatologist.  And you want to keep going back for the same issues.  They want to see something like "persistent issues not responsive to less invasive treatment". 

Red

Wow, I think I was really lucky. I went to the plastic surgeon one time on the base and he asked me if my lower stomach caused me any rashes. I said NO.. He asked me if I was sure. I said yes.. Then, he found one rash!!! I qualified!!! I was not in the habit of lifting up the flab and looking to see what was under there..  I had my surgery 2 weeks later.  He did a TT and muscle tightening. It is going on 7 months and I still feel my stomach stitches when I sneeze or roll over in bed.