Hi All,

I have Tricare Prime and am about to start the process. My PCM placed my referral and I am just waiting on my letter so that I can sched. a first visit with my surgeon. My PCM and the nurse at Dr. Nye's office said Tricare is easy to get approved and that start to finish is about 6 weeks til surgery. Anyone had hsi happened or not happen? Thanks for all you help!

Karen

Hi! I got approval two weeks ago after starting the whole process waaay back this past summer, but I ascribe most of that delay to the sheer volume of folks now getting the lap band. My surgery is January 2. Tomorrow I see the doctor

Edited December 22, 200817 yr by voiceomt2002
Addition

voice... did your doctor give you a referal right away... and is your doctor on base.. or do you see an off base doctor...:biggrin: yay your getting the band.. i hope i can soon say that...

Yes, my PCP was on board from the very beginning with the idea. She practically shoved me toward her referral clerk! LOL! No, she's not on base. She's on the economy, but less than a few miles from NAS JAX.

In fact, Dr. Baptista the surgeon is much farther away, practically across town from me. I don't mind the drive, really, and I am thoroughly impressed with the hospital where I'll have the procedure. I'd never seen a hospital with valet parking, but I'm a spoiled gal now! The outpatient surgery processing area is not far from the main entrance, not around back like you're a red-haired stepchild.

Tricare has been very efficient through the whole process. They don't ask for six months of doctor-supervised dieting like some insurance providers. Dr. Baptista's office works hand-in-hand with certain labs so everything is done very smoothly.