Tricare Prime Remote

 I currently have Tricare Prime Remote (spouse is Active Duty). I live in Raleigh but am willing to travel an hour's distance. I understand that it is covered, but as always, it's difficult to find providers in this area that accept Tricare. Any info or suggestions re: quality bariatric surgeons that accept Tricare? All info will be greatly appreciated. 

It's more then an hours drive but Dr Voellinger accpets it in Charlotte.  Good Luck finding a surgeon!!!!

Did he do your surgery?  Thanks.

Yes over 2 1/2 years ago. Just like any patinet of any surgeon, I HIGHLY reccommend him to anyone!

It will be over an hour away but Southern Surgical in Greenville accepts Tricare and they are fantastic!!

Darcie

Did you use them? Which surgeon? What procedure did you have?  Did they handle all of your insurance red tape? Thanks

Yes I used them, I had Dr. Mann who is excellent and I had RNY. There was no red tape involved at all, Tricare paid for 100% of ALL pre op testing and the entire surgery with NO out of pocket expense for me except the patient registration and surgical class that Southern Surgical requires you to take. Once insurance paperwork was submitted to Tricare they approved me in four days.

Good luck!

Darcie

Wow! Did you self refer? I am Tricare Prime Remote and I get the constant run around i.e.: " no need for a referral, you need a referral, etc..". I did receive a referral to UNC but based upon my research, they have not embraced Bariatric Surgery and a few surgeons are performing it at the facility. That makes me feel that the department will not advocate for my well being. They did, however, send me a packet with a request of 150.00 due prior to them reviewing my application.  How much was your registration/surgical class? Again, Thanks Angie

No I did not self refer. I got a referral from my PCM at the air station and then Southern Surgical gave me a list of pre op testing that needed to be completed. My PCM has a great office and they put in for all the referrals as soon as I brought the list to them. Things that could be done at Camp Lejeune like Bloodwork and Pulmonary was done here locally. I only had to travel for my Psych eval and my Endoscopy. Remember that if you have to drive over one hour to an appointment that Tricare referred you to then you get PAID mileage I get $67.00 every time I go see Dr. Mann because Southern Surgical is a hours drive for me. Also remember to have your hubby go to his admin office before your surgery and get ORDERS CUT to the hospital. They will cut him orders and he will have his hotel and food paid for while you are in the hospital and it will not count against his leave. I had to pay $200.00 for the registration but that was THE ONLY PENNY that came out of my pocket. Tricare paid for every last thing and I cannot thank them enough

Thanks for the valuable info. I'm going to call Tricare tomorrow (if I can get a live person before I go to work) and see about switching my referral to Southern Surgical. It's not a bad drive to Nash General (isn't that where they perform their procedures per their website). I received a referral to UNC but I do not want to end up with an intern or resident doing my procedure. I know that they  have to learn but not on me. From Tricare, I received a decline, then one letter for UNC Gastroenterology and one for General surgery. Neither specified Bariatric surgery of any sort.  What was your starting weight and height? I am 5'5" and weigh 210. Your responses have been most helpful. Thank you for sharing. I emailed Southern Surgical and hope to speak with them tomorrow. Angie