Question:
Any extra fees above, beyond & before what Tricare pays?

I have tricare standard. has any one had experiance using this? What costs will I expect before,and after Tricare has paid. I saw a Dr. in Dallas and he wanted $5,000 upfront before surgery. Thats just the surgeon. Who else will want cash? We are retired Airforce. Any one have experience trying to use a military hospital? Any info would be great...thanks    — Angi G. (posted on July 14, 2004)

July 14, 2004
Hi Angi, We are reitred Marine with Tricare Prime. My surgery costs exceeded $82,000. I have had to pay less than $100.00 for the lap bypass. Maybe you sould concider upgrading to Tricare Prime. It's about $115.00 every three months.
   — Loriann J.

July 14, 2004
i have tricare prime and paid nothing. i also had a civilian doctor. if there isn't a military hospital near you, you can call tricare and ask them for a civilian doctor to do your wls
   — franbvan

July 14, 2004
Hi there, Don't know if you know this, but the military hospital Wilford Hall in San Antonio does gastric bypass. Right now it's on hold from what I understand, but you still might want to check into it. I have Tricare Prime and didn't pay a single dime. You do have to get a referral from you PCP and then you wait for their phone call. Hope that helps. If you want any more information let me know.
   — Monica D.

July 14, 2004
Hi there! I have Tricare Standard and was wondering much the same thing. I can tell you though that the actual Doctors fee I have to pay is $395 becuase that is not covered with insurance. I am just about certain all the hospital costs will be(go to the tricare website, just put in Tricare in a search it will tell you everything they cover and what percent you pay) but I am not completly sure and I do not know how much of that I will have to pay our exactly. Hope I helped, good luck!
   — Jennifer K.

July 15, 2004
Hi Angi, my husband is a retired Marine, and we have Tricare Prime, the total cost for my Gastric Bypass was $40,000 and I paid $25. I did have to pay out of pocket for the Phycs Eval and that was $190, now I am starting my reconstuctive surgeries and Tricare Prime just approved my bilateral breast reduction and my cost will be $25 to the hospital each time I have a procedure. Oh yea, I have to pay the co-pay of $12 each visit to the WLS and the plastic surgeon. Like the last poster mentioned, you may want to look into switching to Tricare Prime. I had a wonderful out in town WLS surgeon, and a wonderful out in town plastic surgeon.
   — cindy

July 15, 2004
Hi Angi. I have Tricare Prime and had the lap rny performed at a military hospital and didn't pay a penny for it or for my appointments afterwards to see the wls surgeon for follow up visits. I would highly recommend Tricare Prime over Tricare Standard.
   — KittyKatt