As an Active Duty soldier, can I request to get surgery at a different hospital?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 20:43:53 -0500

I am an active duty soldier assigned at a small hospital. My provider recommended that I get surgery in order to prevent cancer according to my lab results. However, I don’t feel comfortable getting it at a small hospital that doesn’t have a good reputation. The thing about smaller hospitals is that they have a smaller number of cases and less experienced staff. I don’t feel comfortable getting surgery there.
Am I allowed to request to have the surgery from a different hospital?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 12 at 2019 9:12 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 21:12:54 -0500

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member As a retiree I appreciate having medical insurance that allows me to see - almost- any doctor available. I am circumspect and respect the referrals from my general practitioner. I have been impressed with his recommendations.

In another community, a neighbor was a long time volunteer at the local hospital, Shirley always had the latest thumbs up for doctors there.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 12 at 2019 9:56 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 21:56:48 -0500

Talk with your provider and see what he or she thinks; explain your concerns. You might be able to get a referral to a larger military hospital.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2019 11:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 11:58:27 -0500

You have to talk to your provider to put in a referral - or TRICARE is going to consider it a POS (point of service) and charge you for it. Trust me - I have seen this happen with my daughter. She has had significant medical care in the last 5 years (I am AD). There were times they said they had no referral for her to see the specialists she needed to see. I would get a bill that said it was POS. I then went on tricare. mil or one of those and I found the referrals and said "here you go."

I also am going to disagree with you that smaller hospitals don't have as experienced of staff. There are plenty of larger hospitals who have had inept medical professionals who work in their halls. Look at malpractice suits - it's usually against doctors in larger hospitals. There could be some of the best doctors in a smaller hospital. You don't know.

The only way you are going to get that surgery covered by TRICARE though is your provider puts in a referral.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2019 11:29 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 11:29:38 -0500

You should always do your due diligence to research A physician regarding invasive care such a surgery, civilian or military.

However, i caution you concluding that a smaller hospital equates less experience. Remember the staff at that hospital often rotate, PCS, or work/have worked other jobs just as you have and may have a much greater skill level and knowledge base than you realize. Having worked in rural areas and seen this first hand I can tell you competent care exists anywhere there are competent people. Do your research first on the procedure and the providers so that if you do feel the need to go to another institution you can have the argument with tricare more effectively.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2019 3:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 15:22:46 -0500

No, you cannot. Your dependents can, and you have the right to demand a second opinion, or refuse surgery until you move to a different location. But the only way to receive your surgery off post is for the provider to refer you off post, and they can only do that when they are over booked. You are and always will be on Tricare Prime unless you are stationed away from an MTF. Being a 68K you will always be stationed close to an MTF unless you are on recruiter duty.