Tricare question for Trell and others approved

I am starting to go through through the process of trying to get the lap band. I noticed in one of your posts you listed that you were approved for the procedure before you saw the bariatric surgeon. Did you PCM take care of it for you? Do you see a base PCM or a civilian PCM?

Also, I am looking at a local doctor (who is listed as a Tricare provider) to do my surgery... but his office said that they are still unsure whether they are going to take Tricare patients for Lap Band. Apparently they do not believe they will be paid enough.

Who is your surgeon? Have they said anything to you about Tricare undercutting what they want for payment? Also, did Tricare prefer the "Center of Excellance" status?

I go in April 14 to my PCM for a referral and I just want to make sure I go in prepared.

Thanks

Edited April 2, 200818 yr by 1000words
correction

My PCM put in my referral to a bariatric surgeon for "obesity", then the surgeon's office got the authorization from Tricare for the actual lapband surgery. I have a civilian PCM.

I don't know if Tricare requires or just prefers a "Center of Excellence" status, but the surgeon my PCM referred me according to Tricare is not "COE" status and Tricare called me to let me know who in my area is "COE" and my referral was changed to that surgeon. The strange thing is that both surgeons are in the same practice.

Good luck.