Question:
How do you get an MTF w/o lap history (does do WLS) to refer to lap specialist?

I am a Tricare Prime Region 11 patient and I've been referred for WLS at the military hospital nearby. A type of weightloss surgery is performed there albeit not a classic RNY as most describe it here (there is little malabsorbtion). I've been working over the last month to get them to send me out to a civilian surgeon. Why you ask? There is a 6-9 month wait list at the MTF--they are still working on patients from '99. They give you 2-4 weeks notice before sugery (I work full-time and hubby's often at sea so I need more time than that to get things planned out--especially if it's an open surgery). Last, they've performed only one lap RNY ever and that's the surgery I really want. Anyone have experience getting the MTF to refer you out given these circumstances? How did you go about it? PS.. They say the wait is so long because WLS is elective and they don't have enough nurses and staff. I say this is a medical neccessity and I have a right to receive timely care. If elective, why do they consider it medically neccessary and cover it anyway? How do you combat these fundamentally divergent points of view?    — adrienneg (posted on June 25, 2000)

June 25, 2000
I am local to you and know some who are being referred out into the private sector, even as we speak. Email me privately and I'll hook you up with 'em, OK? [email protected]
   — vitalady