Tricare coverage for VSG

I heard a rumor that Tricare was going to cover VSG's starting in Jan 10.  Does anyone know if there's any truth to this?  Thank you!

Tricare covers the procedure. I am currently doing all of the apointments and consultations etc  for the surgery. There are a few members on here who have gotten the procedure using Tricare.

 For the record I just got turned down for the sleeve the do the gastric stapling and the RNY and the band but not the sleeve.  I would check to make sure you are approved for what you think you are.

I had my revision from band to sleeve covered by Tricare Prime at an MTF. I've heard some conflicting information on getting it covered with Standard, or with a civilian surgeon.

I'd call around to a few of your local MTFs, and Tricare for your region to find out for sure that it is a covered procedure.

 I have tricare and it's covered, but I do have to go to a MTF.

 I had it with tricare through a MTF, I did that on purpose because I knew the process would be smoother.  The experience and care was great and was worth going 2 hours to the MTF to not have to really "deal" with Tricare at all.

Tri Care does not cover the Vertical Gastric Sleeve as a first time WLS surgery.
I received this statement from my Tri Care rep yesterday-

"The revision for lap band has been approved.  Gastric sleeve is not covered.
What is includes:

    4.1Gastric bypass, gastric stapling or gastroplasty by laparotomy or
laparoscopy, to include vertical banded gastroplasty is covered...

There is a CFR change to cover procedures that have met the proven criteria.

Bottom Line-  The sleeve is not covered."

I am trying to find out if the military facilty close to me performs the Sleeve, they do not follow Tri Care policies.
Needless to say I am very disappointed that the VSG is not covered. I am approved for RNY, but had my heart and mind set on VSG..........
I am trying to make the decision- FIght TriCare for VSG?
or settle for RNY?

I am new to this process (I've had my referral and initial visit to the surgeon.)  My surgeon does RNY, the sleeve and the band but is not a fan of banding.  I initially was simply looking into banding but the more I hear and read about the sleeve...I'd be most interested in that.  I'm a little confused based on what I've read so could someone help me please....I know Tricare prime pays for RNY and will pay for banding but they will not pay for the sleeve?  Also, someone above said something about it being approved as a revision surgery...does that mean that they will only allow it if the band is unsuccessful? 

Thanks!

Chris

I would call tricare, i know there are tons of rumors about the surgeries. but you could also get a run around.

I am trying to get the vsg but the naval hospital wont take me and i have to see a outside doctor.

On January 21, 2010 at 1:27 PM Pacific Time, 2BugsMom wrote: Tri Care does not cover the Vertical Gastric Sleeve as a first time WLS surgery.
I received this statement from my Tri Care rep yesterday-

"The revision for lap band has been approved.  Gastric sleeve is not covered.
What is includes:

    4.1Gastric bypass, gastric stapling or gastroplasty by laparotomy or
laparoscopy, to include vertical banded gastroplasty is covered...

There is a CFR change to cover procedures that have met the proven criteria.

Bottom Line-  The sleeve is not covered."

I am trying to find out if the military facilty close to me performs the Sleeve, they do not follow Tri Care policies.
Needless to say I am very disappointed that the VSG is not covered. I am approved for RNY, but had my heart and mind set on VSG..........
I am trying to make the decision- FIght TriCare for VSG?
or settle for RNY?


   How is this true.? I have TRI CARE PRIME WEST 

My surgery was July 20 of 09 and I was a first time wls patient and they covered my VSG from the start. 

 I have 3 other friends on this board who have also had this surgery...  2 of them had their surgery as early as 6 months before me and the other one was just 2 weeks ago.

 I had my surgery at Balboa Regional Military Treatment Facility which is located in San Diego

 I also have a friend who is seeing a surgeon on Feb 9 of 2010 at scripps also in san deigo and he does the VSG  for tri-care patients.

 Another friend of mine who is an air force wife who is seen @ walter reed and they approved her for the surgery but pushed her out in town due to the volume of patients. 


So am i misunderstand that people are being told they can't have the surgery period  ( as in the VSG ) or just not with a CIVILIAN FACILITY  .... 


????