Ugh- I have a big decision to make guys and really need some suggestions!! So, I am Tricare Prime and have already been accepted into the surgery clinic at William Beaumont (woo hoo). Except there's potentially a 6 month wait. I could switch to Tricare Standard and potentially have this surgery in October. My hubby deploys in November, his family comes out in October, which would be great because then I would have someone to watch my 18 month old daughter. So anyway- Friday is my OFF POST surgical consult. I have to switch to Standard before then to be able to go. What do I do?

I'm 5'5", 250 lbs if I've had a big meal, and have severe pain in knees and back, and high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Should I just wait and go to the on post doctor, or take my chances and switch?? arghh. so stressed about this!:thumbup:

Hi! I am Tricare prime, and was initially referred to Beaumont--but they knew I wouldn't be going there because of the wait. I got a referral to a civilian surgeon (Dr. Lara in El Paso) who did my surgery. It worked out well for me.

Maybe you can get a referral as well?

Do consider the difference in cost for Tricare Standard vs Tricare Prime. You will face considerably more out of pocket expenses. Fills and aftercare are vital, so it will cost you a good deal more. I agree with Hel that you should try the referral thing; otherwise I'd wait.

Our tricare standard policy is as follows: $150 deductible then we pay 20% of all charges until a 3000 annual cap. Since you will have just switched, it's entirely possible you'll need to come up with the 3K to get the surgery. Don't know your finances and they aren't my business, but many of us would kind of hesitate on a 3k bill we didn't anticipate. Just something to consider.

Hmm.. that's true. Our cap is 1000, but that's still 1000 bucks. I have tried the referral- Dr. Johnson is very adamant about not referring people off post- according to his nurse. Is there some way around that?? Hel, how long would the wait have been for you on post? I would be going through Dr. Lara as well. I've heard great things about him.