sunflwr78

I have Tricare Prime and I did not even get to pick my PCM. One day I received a letter in the mail telling me who my PCM was. Now, of course, if I don't like him, I have to go through the hassle of asking for a new one. So far so good......he was on board with the Lap Band so I had no problem getting the referral (except for the fact that he referred me to a different surgeon from the one I requested - but that was easy to change). If you become a registered user on the www.humana-military.com website, it should tell you who your PCM is. Hope this helps.

Congratulations on finally getting approved!! You must be relieved. I am so ready to be in your shoes. I go monday for my psych eval and my 1st consult with the surgeon. We will see how it goes after Monday. Good Luck on your journey!

I am starting the journey with you. I go for my first consult with the surgeon on Monday (as long as my referral gets corrected either today or tomorrow). I also work in the same hospital where the surgeon is located. I have heard is talks to physicians on managing the post-bariatric patient. I am probably over-informed to some degree. RestlessMonkey is filled full of absolute amazing information. I look forward to reading information posted.

I have only told my husband and my best friend. I am afraid to tell my mom and sister. They have been against every diet that I have ever tried. My mother thinks I look "healthy". Whatever is what I have to say to that. When you read something that says that you are morbidly obese, I do not think that qualifies as healthy.

Keep your head up...Everything will work out for you in the long run. Dealing with insurance companies can be extremely difficult. I am dealing with Tricare right now. I found out last night that they have my surgeon listed as Out-of-network (when he is clearly in-network). Because of this they referred me to someone who I won't be able to see until sometime next year. I wanted to tell them, "Hello crazy people. I wouldn't have asked for a referral for a out-of-network doc" gggrrrr!:wink2:

Congratulations!!! That is so awesome. I am astounded that you have lost 106 pounds since June. You will be my inspiration. I go for my consult on Monday with 117 pounds to lose. Great job!

I have had the same thoughts as you, FalloutGirl. Why can't I just learn to eat properly? I finally decided that I need something to help me or a "tool". That is exactly what the lapband will be. A "tool" to help me get this extra 117 pounds off. I go tomorrow to get the referral from my primary care manager to actually go see the surgeon. I have already talked with the surgeon several times since we work at the same hospital and he has mentioned that I should have no problems. I'm hoping for the best.:thumbup:

I am so sorry for all the craziness that you are having to go through. My husband is active duty and we have Tricare Prime(South). I have been told by everyone including Tricare that I will not have to pay anything out-of-pocket. Someone mentioned a $12 fee for the Psych Eval. $12 is pennies for a surgery that is going to change my life forever. It sounds to me like your surgeon's office needs to be audited by Medicare. He can not bill you for the amount that Tricare does not pay. He has to accept their payment. If he is audited, then he will have to repay every single dime that he has collected from overcharging his patients. Hang in there! Hopefully, you will get things figured.

Dr. Christopher Finnell and Dr. Brett May of United Regional Health Care System. Take a look at United Regional :: Medical Services :: Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Finnell will be my surgeon once I get approval from Tricare.