Question:
Anyone have trouble w/Champus/Tricare Standard paying for everything?

I keep getting bills for things saying NOT AUTHORIZED yet I have an approval number. The anesthesia Dr. keeps sending me a bill for 1800.00 They say Champus doesnt approve it..did I need to have the surgery without pain meds? DUHHHH? What do I do? We have called them (billing office) what is our next step?    — Jackiis (posted on March 13, 2002)

March 12, 2002
I would call Tricare at 800-930-2929. When the hospital agrreed to accept Tricare, they also agreed to accept the amount of payment that tricare allows and not charge you above your co-pay.
   — Bobbie B.

March 13, 2002
Hello, I am work for DEERs. I don't know what region your in but region 1 VA D.C area there claims number is 1-800-578-1294 if your in region 2 VA there claims number is 1-800-493-1613 if you keep getting the run around call TMA (tricare Management activity) they are like a complaint line for tricare 1-303-676-3526. Good Luck!
   — Lovett

March 24, 2002
Anesthesiologists traditionally bill separately from the hopsital and surgeon (unless they are in a medical group together). For some reason, billing with the hospital and surgeon is taken care of before the anesthesiologist. (At least that is what I have found when I have had surgery outside of the military system.) Call Tricare and ask them what the status is. Also, make sure that the statement you received is not an EOB (Explanation of Benefits). You will get these from each provider and they are not a bill. It is just a statement of services. Sometimes it looks confusing because there are dollar amounts on there...and many people tend to confuse the EOBs with bills. Good luck!
   — KathieInHawaii