I've been going back and forth between lapband and the sleeve. If I go to a civilian surgeon tricare doesn't cover the sleeve, but I think if I go to a military hospital they will.. I live in denver so the closest would be in the springs. Does my PCM have to refer me to the military hospital or is my civilian referral good enough? Also, if I go to a military hospital does tricare still have to approve the surgery or is my PCM referral good enough?

I have the tricare and BCBS. My lapband was placed 3 years ago. I'm not sure if BCBS will pay for the removal since it was placed under Tricare and BCBS will cover removal if I am having complications if it was placed by them.

Go with the sleeve if you can, for the last year I have vomited almost everyday and have been hungry after vomiting. Plus I've gain my weight back eating slider foods.

Do you have an accepting surgeon at the Springs? Double check with your patient admin, but the referral should be enough.

I've been going back and forth between lapband and the sleeve. If I go to a civilian surgeon tricare doesn't cover the sleeve' date=' but I think if I go to a military hospital they will.. I live in denver so the closest would be in the springs. Does my PCM have to refer me to the military hospital or is my civilian referral good enough? Also, if I go to a military hospital does tricare still have to approve the surgery or is my PCM referral good enough?[/quote']

Not completely sure about the referral part, my PCM referred me to the surgeon on base. If you get the surgery at an MTF, tricare has nothing to do with the approval for the surgery as their technically is no cost. The approval is the surgeons decision