Question:
Anyone in AK that has been approved before the 2 yr waiting list

I am desperate and need advice, I am stationed at Eielson and there are no surgeons in Ak that Tricare approves of. They send you to Madigan which is a 2 year waiting list. I tried Travis AFB and was told they are not taking anymore patients.    — Diane N. (posted on July 22, 2002)

July 22, 2002
Can you be referred out of the system? I know there are several doc in AK doing these now, and people come here to Tacoma all the time for surgery.
   — vitalady

July 22, 2002
Are you trying to get the DS or the RNY ? Dr Keshishian in Delano, CA takes Tricare Prime. I also know of at least one person from Alaska that flew to California to get surgery. Someone from Hawaii also went to Dr K and she had Tricare Prime. I believe it took her about 3-4 months for approval because she had to prove that she couldn't get the same surgery in Hawaii, etc. Anita in Denver 11/08/01 Dr Keshishian -open DS
   — Anita N.

July 23, 2002
Diane, If you can get referred out, Dr Mayer in Fairbanks does lap RNY and is an ex-military doc. It is my understanding that Dr Todd in Anchorage is seeing some of the patients from Elmendorf (of course that is only rumor, not confirmed) If you would rather go out of state your choices are endless. Happy hunting!
   — Jennifer H.