Posted on Feb 7, 2020
1LT Human Resources Officer
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So I know that I cannot take medicine prescribed by a non-military Doctor and elective procedures most be approved, but is there any rule against going to a non-military Doctor for second opinions or for a diagnosis?

No referral, by myself.

UPDATE:

Cost is not the problem, for me it is introducing the new diagnosis to the Army. I am not looking to get into trouble because my PA diagnosed me wrong. The original diagnosis came from a PA (My PCM), I went to a civilian specialist (full Physician & Specialist in the field) who took the type of X-Rays that are supposed to be taken when dealing with this type of medical issue. His diagnosis was pretty much exactly what I was thinking it was.
Posted in these groups: Ems Medical
Edited 5 y ago
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Responses: 4
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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You are always entitled to a second opinion, however you are not entitled to have Tricare pay for a non tricare doctor.
Request the second opinion, if that does not work, request the referral to a specialist you need and show them your supporting docs. If you get the run around, contact the patient advocate or ombudsman
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SFC Incheon Airport Jppc Ncoic
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You would have to have a referral to the provider in order for the military to pay for it. If you don’t receive a referral, you can still go but you’ll be 100% financially responsible.
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1LT Human Resources Officer
1LT (Join to see)
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Cost is not the problem, for me it is introducing the new diagnosis to the Army. I am not looking to get into trouble because my PA diagnosed me wrong. The original diagnosis came from a PA (My PCM), I went to a civilian specialist (full Physician & Specialist in the field) who took the type of X-Rays that are supposed to be taken when dealing with this type of medical issue. His diagnosis was pretty much exactly what I was thinking it was.
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SFC Incheon Airport Jppc Ncoic
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Provide the documentation to your pcm, this would validate a second opinion is warranted. Who knows, maybe you can get a referral to the specialist who gave you the second opinion.1LT (Join to see)
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CPL Gary Pifer
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I did and I took meds... Most of the Docs are now PA's or retired Civilians. Many soldiers also go to military and VA medical and jump back and forth
I did as well.
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1LT Human Resources Officer
1LT (Join to see)
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Not talking about VA. Talking about full civilian Doctor, no relation to the Army.
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