Question:
Tri-care reqires a five year diet history

I know that tri-care requires that one would be exactly 100 pound over weight, but my bmi is 42.6, I already went for my upper and lower g.i. and my psych eval is being schedualed, but being with the military insurance, I don't remember all of the doctors that I've seen while my husband was on active duty. I'm not sure that I'm not wasting my time with all this testing, since I cant remember all the diet programs that I've tryed. And trust me when I say that I've tryed them all.Will the Dr. turn me away from a counseltation for not having exact info? Please help, I don't want to look like the rest of my family(all of which are all over 300-350 Lbs.)    — Bernice B. (posted on August 6, 2003)

August 5, 2003
I was approved with tri-care n less than 24 hours my drs. office said tricare was the easiest to deal with when it came to the RNY than any other insurance which surprised me, from what I have seen depends on the region the amount of time it takes to get approval. They would not be paying for the pre-op tests if they were not going to cover the surgery. Good luck. Tonjia -132 pds
   — Tonjia L.

August 5, 2003
I first went to my GP and he gave me the reasons with codes for the surgery. Then I emailed Tricare and within 36 hours got an email back saying they would cover it. My BMI is 52 and I live in Region 2. Good Luck Carrol Bailey
   — Carrol B.

August 6, 2003
I was just 105 pounds overweight with a BMI of 41 and I did not have any trouble being approved with Tricare. I just documented all of the weight loss methods I could remember trying for five years and gave the years I had tried them. Do the best you can with dates - I couldn't remember mine so I just made estimates. All surgeons are different, but mine turns people away if they can't provide documentation that they made other attempts at weight loss. The day of my first consultation, he turned away a 420 pound woman because she had never tried dieting! Just do the best you can with the info and hopefully you have a surgeon who writes great insurance letters! Good luck! Jody ;)
   — MomBear2Cubs

August 6, 2003
i was denied initially but am in the middle of an appeal. i believe like some say it depends on the region you live in. my appeal told me today that they have never approved anyone on being just 200% of their ideal body weight though i know lots have been in other regions. i was not told anything about a 5 yr diet history at all. i have only been in the military loop for a year and a half now. i have talked to someone at tma though and they assured me that whatever is in the policy is all that is needed for approval. good luck
   — tacy T.