Question:
TRICARE Prime wont let me go to civilian Dr. the military want s to do it HELP

I have been told today after getting my referral approved for surgery consult, that I may not go to a civilian doctor. Reasoning is since this surgery is so widely requested, they now have a specialist (Surgeon) who now performs this type of surgery. I had my heart set on the civilian doctor whom I know has a great success rate of patients without incidence. Now Im at a crossroads, to decide whether or not to let the military do theu surgery, Anyone else have the military do they're surgery? If so what type of surgery, I would like to have the RNY.    — Amy G. (posted on January 25, 2001)

January 25, 2001
Since you are in Norfolk, I am guessing that you are Navy. Don't fret. There is an excellent Surgeon at Portsmouth Naval Hospital he is a Civilian trained bariatric surgeon, who also performed the first LAP RNY in VA. His name is Dr. David Spencer. I am former Military wife and daughter and I know at least three people who have had him do their LAP RNY. He is probally the Doc that they have in mind for you anyway. Meet with him and and try to find people who have had surgery done by him. He may turn out better than you expect.
   — [Anonymous]

January 25, 2001
Amy, you don't know what a blessing you have to be able to have your surgery done by DR.SPENCER at Portsmouth Navel! That is who you will have, and he is EXCELLENT! The care at the hospital is the very best, they will treat you like a princess! Dr. Spencer did my surgery on December 5th (2000) and I am doing wonderfully. I had the LAP RNY and most of his patients go home 2 days after surgery. Email me anytime if you have any questions. Congratulations on taking the steps to your weightloss journey!
   — Marnie K.