Question:
Anyone with Tricare have to go through classes before seeing the surgeon

Went to see my PCM and he is making me go to the Disease Management Clinic before seeing the surgeon, anyone else had to do this, please let me know what to expect.    — Micah A. (posted on November 1, 2002)

November 1, 2002
Micah, I didn't have to go to a disease management session but my surgeon, who is an Army surgeon, required us to attend an information session before he accepted us into his program. His reason for this was to make sure that we were informed about the surgery, understood his prerequisites and program rules and also met Tricare eligibility requirements. If your PCM is requiring that you attend a session before, I say go for it.. If it seems to be an unreasonable request, switch to another PCM. All and all, I say the surgery is worth doing whatever you need to do to get it. Hang in there... Sometimes it seems like we have to jump through some major hurdles to finally have the surgery but it is all worth it in the end. Good luck!!! Hugs with Aloha, Kathie (in Hawaii.....)
   — KathieInHawaii

November 2, 2002
Even though I am TriCare, my surgery was outside because they didn't do the surgery 3 years ago. They are now in this area and you may want to look up Portsmouth Naval Hospital or Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth Va on this site. I have spoken with about 5 of the women who have had surgery there and they answered my emails very willingly. I facilitate a support group in Virginia Beach for my surgeron and we have been working on more contact with the other doctor groups. Everyone of the patients said their wls support group is excellent. You can at least compare with your area.
   — Elizabeth K.