Question:
Does anyone know if Tri-west will cover DS or do they only cover RNY? Thanks, Kalena

   — Kalena B. (posted on November 29, 2004)

November 29, 2004
HELLO, AS I UNDERSTAND, FROM MY SURGEON'S OFFICE, THAT TRICARE WILL NOW ONLY COVER OPEN BYPASS, NOT LAPROSCOPIC. I HOPE THAT THIS HELPS, LORIANN
   — Loriann J.

November 29, 2004
Obviously, that wasn't the question you asked. MANY insurance companies claim to not cover the DS -- but if you push them, they will often cave in. You may have to fight and appeal for it, but if you come over to the DS Forum http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/DS/posts.html and read what we have to say, you will understand not only why we are so outspoken about how much we prefer the DS, but you will also find a wealth of information and help in getting your insurance company to approve you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 29, 2004
Hi Kalena. I also have TriWest and am working with them now. They have made it clear to me that they only cover the open RNY procedure. I guess this became their new policy as of October 1, 2004. I did call and speak to several surgeons who told me the same thing. Patients that were already scheduled for other types of wls were called and cancelled because of this new policy. Unfortunately, this does makes things way more difficult for all of us. I hope this helps. If you do find a loophole please let me know. Thanks, Lisa
   — Lisa J.

November 29, 2004
Kalena, I have Tricare Prime Remote and had a lap rny in March of 2004. I had been scheduled for a ds but had to change because the insurance quit covering ds in January of 2004. I don't know if they are still covering lap or only open rny, but I would suggest that you call and speak to someone at Triwest or at your Tricare rep at your local base or post hospital. Good luck to you and I hope that everything works out! Allison Fachman lap rny 3/23/04 289/191/150??
   — AllisonF

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