I've just made the appointment to see my Primary Care Dr to ask for a referral. So nervous to be taking this first step. Any pointers would be appreciated. I have my records since 2001. Thanks for the help.

Hi, just in case your pcp is not on board, I got my letter of medical necessity from my gynecologist. 2^nd option to think about. Hope this helps.

Hi, just in case your pcp is not on board, I got my letter of medical necessity from my gynecologist. 2^nd option to think about. Hope this helps.

Thanks so much. Wish me luck. I'm so nervous.

We used to have the type of insurance that required a referral to any specialist from our primary physician. I wanted to take my son to an allergy specialist since it was apparent he was having allergic reactions to various things. His primary physician at the time refused, saying 'the specialist can't do anything for him that I can't'. I told him that I wanted it entered into his chart that he was refusing and then I wanted a copy of his records. I got the referral...and then went looking for a new doctor.

While some primary physicians believe they are God and can refuse to send you to a specialist (or referral for band surgery), the reality is that when confronted with the possibility of a lawsuit, they'll cave. Never leave your medical care in the hands of the physician...especially when they're part of a system that gives kickback bonuses to doctors who hold their referral rates down (yeah...it happens way too often).

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That's great info. I hope he is supportive.

We used to have the type of insurance that required a referral to any specialist from our primary physician. I wanted to take my son to an allergy specialist since it was apparent he was having allergic reactions to various things. His primary physician at the time refused, saying 'the specialist can't do anything for him that I can't'. I told him that I wanted it entered into his chart that he was refusing and then I wanted a copy of his records. I got the referral...and then went looking for a new doctor.

While some primary physicians believe they are God and can refuse to send you to a specialist (or referral for band surgery), the reality is that when confronted with the possibility of a lawsuit, they'll cave. Never leave your medical care in the hands of the physician...especially when they're part of a system that gives kickback bonuses to doctors who hold their referral rates down (yeah...it happens way too often).

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Great news - he referred me without a hitch. Now just have to send the referral on to Tricare. Wish me luck. So excited.

That's great info. I hope he is supportive.

Great news - he referred me without a hitch. Now just have to send the referral on to Tricare. Wish me luck. So excited.

Glad you got your referral. If you're a Tricare Prime person, make sure the surgeon they refer you to accepts Tricare for the surgery. I got mis-referred twice before finding a surgeon who does the surgery under Tricare Prime. Once I had the right surgeon, approval was a snap.

Good luck!

Dave

Thanks Dave! I'm Tricare Prime Remote Overseas. I don't think this is going to be an easy process. I'm kind of a pioneer in the UK. LOL

Glad you got your referral. If you're a Tricare Prime person, make sure the surgeon they refer you to accepts Tricare for the surgery. I got mis-referred twice before finding a surgeon who does the surgery under Tricare Prime. Once I had the right surgeon, approval was a snap.

Good luck!

Dave