Tricare - can anyone help me with the process for approval. (long-sorry)

My situation is a little different and I'm just trying to see if anyone has any suggestions for me. I am a military dependant, insured through Tricare Prime, BMI is 44.6, multiple co-morbidities. My PCM is civilian as there was none-availability when we PCS'd here last year. All medical tests, etc. that I've had in the past year have been through civilian docs and facilities. So, I'm trying to figure out the best process for approval. I have an appointment to go over my "stuff" with my PCM, including a letter listing my diet history, co-morbidities, etc. I don't think she'll hesitate referring. But, do I ask for a referral to a bariatric surgeon, see them for a consult, and then they refer for surgery? OR, does she just refer for surgery? AND, does anyone know if, since I'm farmed out to civilians for other med stuff, will they send me through civilian channels (similar to Standard) for the surgery? This is preferable because of the wait list at NMCP. Also, has anyone who has been approved for WLS by Tricare Prime had to have a medically supervised diet before approval? I've had a number of medically supervised diets over the years, but the most recent was over 2 years ago. Thanks!!

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