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Tricare woes...

I am having my issues with Tricare. Up until now, they have been FABULOUS! Hanscom is sort of a different base. They don't have a full medical facility on site, so you can pretty much get a referral to any civilian facility you choose and if you live far enough away from base, you are golden. Our kids, for example, have a civilian pediatrician. I selected my OB/GYN list of civilian providers and I love them. However, in February we moved two miles further from base, which changed my Primary Care Manager from a base provider to a civilian provider. Normally I would not care as I NEVER go to the doctor (knock on wood as I'm not one to get sick--and when I do, I deal with it the North Dakota way--suck it up and tough it out ;), but my "new PCM" is not taking new patients. I am so frustrated. Basically, I have to find a new PCM or fill out a new application for Tricare to change back my PCM to base. However this process takes 3-5 processing days. I simply want a referral to my previous OB/GYN, who books 6 months in advance. At this rate, I won't be seen until January. Grrr. I guess I am going to take the same approach with medical care as I do with my hair stylists. I am only sort of kidding, but....I choose random people and when I don't like the end result, I go to the next one (sometimes the same day or often, the day after). It ends up to be a bit costly and perhaps, it could be a bit risky in terms of playing with my health/body, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do ;)
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Jen said…
I do the same. I pick one, get what I need and then use a different MD. Remember you can see a specialist (OB/GYN) once a year without a refferal.

Where do you live? I lived in Somerville and my husband in Arlington when he was stationed there (we were dating then) and I saw an awesome MD at MGH, I could give you a name if you are interested.
June 22, 2010 at 11:46 PM
Kara said…
omg. i didn't know you could see a specialist once/yr without a referral!! that may be my saving grace! thanks for the information. i usually doctor in concord. i have been really happy, but i'll keep you in mind for another name if i need one. thanks, jen.
June 23, 2010 at 2:43 AM
S said…
Tricare drives me nuts. So does the base hospital here. Most of the time I suck it up just so I don't have to deal with them!

This might be a dumb question, but are you originally from Nodak??? We're stationed here now and I was born and raised here...
June 23, 2010 at 12:48 PM
Kara said…
Hi Staci,
I am from ND. I grew up in a small town, went to college at MSU and lived in Bismarck for a few years. My parents (who still live in ND)are flying out here next week so they can drive the kiddos and I back to ND for some summer sun. Looking forward to a slower pace and simpler style of living. It is amazing what you miss when you leave. You'll understand and appreciate it so much more when you PSC, although it sounds as though you already do!
June 23, 2010 at 7:19 PM
Anonymous said…
Hello,
Enjoy your first day off. Give those girls some lovin for me! Are you guys planning on coming home for July 4th? What does PSC mean for us civilians!

LOve ya, J
June 23, 2010 at 9:40 PM
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