Question:
Military - I am looking for names of surgeons in the Army that perform tummy tucks.

I have Tricare Prime insurance and my primary care physician has referred to me Fort Gordon for a tummy tuck. (I had gastric surgery last year). However, Fort Gordon is swamped and they denied my consultation. I was then referred to Walter Reid Medical Center but the waiting list there is years long. My husband goes on terminal leave in April of 2001 so time is running out. Fort Gordon and Walter Reid are the only 2 places that I know of that perform the tummy tucks. Does anyone out there know of any other place? I am willing to travel anywhere in the United States, maybe in other locations the waiting list is not so long. I am located in Ft Stewart, Ga. Thanks!!! Kathi    — Kathi L. (posted on July 11, 2000)

July 11, 2000
With Tricare (any form) if services are unavailable you should have no trouble obtaining a Certificate of Non-Availabilty from either Fort Gordon or Walter Reed. With this certificate (and approval for the procedure) you can go to a civilian and Tricare will cover the costs the same as they would for a military surgeon. Good luck!
   — Duffy H.

July 11, 2000
Hi Kathi, I like you have tri-care and the answer that duffy gave you is correct I'm in Massachusettes and I had surgery 7 months ago not by an army surgeon because there wasn't any in my area so I got permission to go to a civilian Surgeon! hope this helps! By the way will tricare cover tummy tucks I have lost 107lbs and need one my self!LOL you can e-mail me at [email protected] thanks Ann
   — Ann F.