Question:
Is it difficult for Tricare Standard patients to have WLS surgery?

   — KRALIKSL (posted on August 2, 2006)

August 2, 2006
I have tricare prime and got approved with no problem. I would think the only difference is you may have to pay your percentage of the bill up front. Not sure. I know mine cost just over $17,000 to give you an idea of what you'd be looking at, I'm guessing standard may require 20%, not sure. Good luck!
   — sarahp1101

August 2, 2006
I had my surgery through Tricare on a non-availability at Washington Hospital Center in DC three years ago and once the referrals were done, and all the pre-testing it went through very easily.
   — welshborn

August 2, 2006
I had NO problem with Tricare. In fact from what my surgeons office said, they are one of the least difficult insurance companies to work with. Good luck to you and if you have any questions feel free to email me ..... [email protected] Take Care~ Jennifer
   — jenzstory

August 2, 2006
Hi Shelly, With Tricare Standard you will be required to pay 20% of the hospital fees plus 20% of your DR's fees if your sponsor is active duty. If he is retired then it is 25 %. However, if you go to a network surgeon and hospital then you are only charged 15% if active duty and 20% if retired. Another bonus is that Network Physicians and hospitals will file all the claims and may not require your cost-share up front. I noticed that you are in Norfolk which has many network hospitals and surgeons. I would do my research and find out what is best for you. A quick example of what it may cost you is ... My surgery was billed at $37,322 but since my surgeon was network he is required to accept Tricares allowed charges for the surgery so he was paid $9650.73. Your cost share would 15-20% of that versus 15-20% of $37,322 if you went to a Network DR. That is a big difference.
   — Tiff's On a Mission

August 3, 2006
Before you get started, get a champus supplement. I have AMRA and my bills are pd Are you new a CONUS facility? The military has been one of the most progressive in the area of wls.
   — losinit