Hello everyone...

Well I am FINALLY finished with all the steps needed to get my referral for surgery in. My surgeon's office submitted everything on the 2nd. When I look it up online, it says "IN-PROCESS" where I assume the approval/denial would go.

I got a letter the other day saying that Tricare is requesting an H. Pylori test to be done before they make their decision. Has anyone else run into this? Seems like the first time I've heard of that (and of course it would be me) :tongue:

They didn't do it on me, but I was one of the first to get it, maybe it is something new they are doing.

I just got approved yesterday and they never said anything about that. The "In Process" message is normal and will change when approved.

Why not give them a call and find out what's going on. I've called Many times and everyone I've spoken too has been very helpful.

I was banded 3/17 and my surgeon requires the test. I did not even know about it, but it was part of the pre-op blood work that they did. I only found out about it because I tested positive for it and had to take the PrevPac medication. H. pylori can cause peptic ulcers and I guess they don't want to take any chances on us getting them after banding.

Yeah, maybe it's the surgeon who's requiring the test then? Tricare didn't require me to get a sleep study or psych eval, my surgeon did.

No, I don't think it's the surgeon. The letter I received asking for the test specifically stated Tricare needed the result before they could make a decision. I guess it all depends on who gets your referral. That's how it seems, anyway. So many of you have been referred and approved like lightning. I feel like I'm one of the unlucky ones, lol.

My doc tested me for H Pylori and I was positive. The acceptable and normal level is between .00-.89.....Mine was 5.82. Nearly 6 times the normal level. So, I am assuming I have had it for some time, with no symptoms. I am on an aggressive antibiotic regimen, which requires me to take 4 pills, 4 times per day for 30 days. (That's right 16 pills daily). They will test me after the first 15 days, then if needed, I will do how ever many rounds of treatment necessary. I was really upset when I found out, but I am very thankful that my doctor checked for it. H Pylori can cause ulcers and cancer, which of course can be fatal. I do not believe that I have ulcers (Thank Goodness), my upper GI did not detect any, but I would feel much more comfortable going into this knowing that I don't have and infection. I would recommend requesting the test, its a simple sample of blood. Good luck to you all!

Hi, my surgeon did the test anyway, this maybe somethng new with tricare. I am sure after a while they will not approve them so quickly anymore. They will start adding other requirements.

My surgeon also had me do this test. It only takes about 20 mins and all you have to do is breathe in a bag.

My surgeon also had me do this test. It only takes about 20 mins and all you have to do is breathe in a bag.

:confused2: You had to breathe into a bag for 20 minutes?? Mine was a simple blood test :thumbup: