Question:
Has anyone been approved?

Has anyone with Tricare Prime insurance been approved without co-morbs. I am 102# over my ideal weight for height and frame. I have a BMI of 36. What do you think my chances are of being approved. I have all the required diet history-on my own and some doctor suppervised for proof that I have attempted weight loss.I go tomorrow to ask my PCM for a referral. Just wanted to know what I am up against.    — Jan S. (posted on October 7, 2002)

October 7, 2002
You won't have a hard time getting approved if you meet all the other criteria....i am also on the waiting list at Bragg and so far have been patiently waiting now for 9 months....its a long slow process so just hang in there...the Dr's there are all really good....keep me posted as to what you find out we also have support meetings once a month at the hospital.
   — Kathy C.

October 8, 2002
I am not TriCare Prime but am Tricare Standard. Be thankful that the military is now not only approving but actually doing it. 3 years ago, they not only were not doing it, mine would have not be Champus approved except for a very special insurance person at my surgeons office. I got the forms and was all ready to submit my non availability and when confirming the fax number, we were told don;t bother, it will be automtically turned down. Why, 3 years ago, Champus would not approve the surgery for anyone over age 50, no matter what. We bypassed the computer and sent it to a medical review board and was approved in about 10 days. Since then, the Navy is doing them at the naval hospital now, but TriCare standard has approved non availability surgry 2 since for me. You may not have specific health issues but being 100 lbs over weight is taking it's toll on your body. Pull statistics on the onset of diabetis, high blood pressure, the strain on your heart and arthritis in those that are obsese. Good Luck Betsy
   — Elizabeth K.

October 8, 2002
I have tri-care prime and have been approved in one week. i am now waiting for my surgery date. we are military at HAAF. there isn't a doctor here so they are sending me to ocala fl. 4 hours away. but I will take what I can get. If your PCM gives you the referral you should have no problem. good luck
   — terri R.