How can I see a civilian OB-GYN if I have military medical insurance?!
Question: Like I have posted here before, I am trying to get pregnant and since my husband is in the military, we have Tricare insurance. My job does not offer medical insurance so this is the only insurance we have. Tricare will not approve for me to see a civilian OB-GYN since we have a military hospital where we live. The medical care is free at the military hospital. However I have noticed that anytime I want to see the doctor there, it is always someone different and I can rarely choose the doctor I see. I had always gotten the feeling that they do as little as necessary for the patients...(they NEVER call me back, won't prescribe anything out of a certain price range, etc.) Then I heard someone who works at the hospital actually say that they do only what is necessary since it is free. This never mattered for minor things (to cure a cold, etc.) But I am scared to death to have a baby at that hospital! Does anyone here know what I can do? Thanks!
Answers: Like I have posted here before, I am trying to get pregnant and since my husband is in the military, we have Tricare insurance. My job does not offer medical insurance so this is the only insurance we have. Tricare will not approve for me to see a civilian OB-GYN since we have a military hospital where we live. The medical care is free at the military hospital. However I have noticed that anytime I want to see the doctor there, it is always someone different and I can rarely choose the doctor I see. I had always gotten the feeling that they do as little as necessary for the patients...(they NEVER call me back, won't prescribe anything out of a certain price range, etc.) Then I heard someone who works at the hospital actually say that they do only what is necessary since it is free. This never mattered for minor things (to cure a cold, etc.) But I am scared to death to have a baby at that hospital! Does anyone here know what I can do? Thanks!
I know what you mean, I'm prior Military and hubby is still active, I feel your pain! However... if you leave near a military base then to see a civilian Doc you'll have to pay for it out of your own pocket. I guess it depends on were you live... but, if your close enough to an other military hospital then you might be able to go there. I know that the good ol military doesn't pay for fertility help either, that's our issue, so there for, to get help with that we have to pay out of our pocket. if you don't like your provider you can also request a new Doctor and they have to reassign you to a new one. with my personal dealings with the military health care (since '97) you have to stay on them, don't let them tell you how you should feel. be aggressive that's the only way to get it done. my own horror story was....my appendix had ruptured and i went to the military ER they told me it was menstrual cramps!!! then they got blood back and rushed me off to the OR. but as sick as i was I didn't let them tell me how I was feeling! I know I wasn't that much help but, as long as you live close to base the only way to get civilian care is to pay for it yourself. hope you and your husband have the child you want, best of luck!
ok I don't know how to post a new answer but, that may work, if you change your address to your parents, then you'll have to enroll in tricare west and find a provider in that area that accepts military tricare.... if you want to email me my email address is danceincali25@aol.com
ALL PATIENTS HAVE RIGHTS. This is called a bill of of as a patient have the right to:
Choose your own health care provider.
Refuse treatment.
Obtain a second opinion.
Change your mind regarding a previous decision.
Have all information regarding your diagnosis, this includes
Pro's and Con's of suggested treatment.
The list goes on.
All you have to do is request a gyn doctor. As long as he is in the participating group of doctors that accept your insurance, you have a right to see him. (some doctors may not accept military insurance for various reasons)
Write on piece of paper who you are, and why you are "requesting" to see a doctor of your choice.
They have to allow you to "choose" your health care provider.
They just don't advertise this.
You can also go on line to the military site for your region and change your primary doctor.
Good luck with everything.
You sound like me! I HATE MILITARY HOSPITALS..lol!
Anyways, I do the same thing as what you're saying. For my yearly pap, I go to my parents' civilian doctor back home because I don't like seeing a different person everytime.
All you have to do is make sure they accept Tricare and you're set! =]