LTTE “Inconsideration of veterans” re MDs who refuse TRICARE patients (Anniston Star, Alabama)

[jody]

DISCLAIMER: NOT MY LETTER

Inconsideration of veterans

I recently walked out of a medical appointment in Anniston. At 10:40 a.m., after being there for more than an hour, I asked when I could expect to be seen for my 9:45 appointment. I was then informed the doctor I was scheduled to see did not accept Tricare, and they were “trying” to get a doctor to see me.

Thank you for your lack of customer service and basic courtesy, but no thanks. As a 21-year veteran, I do not expect someone to “try” to see me. If readers truly support veterans, then ask your providers if they accept Tricare, the insurance used by military members, their families, retirees and disabled veterans. If they do not, find a new doctor and let them know why you are doing it.

Gary Holt
Jacksonville

[Philippine expat]

1. Don't blame the Dr's

blame Congress for setting Medicare reimbursement rates so low (Tricare rates are tied to Medicare).
I'm speaking as someone who has TriCare and also as someone who worked in health care for 15 years
after retiring from the US Navy and saw how little they reimburse

[THUNDER HANDS]

2. is there a list online of providers that accept tricare?

I was wondering this myself, since I'm on leave right now and thought I'd get some dental work done.

[PavePusher]

3. For Tri-West, start here:

http://www.triwest.com/beneficiary/default.aspx

[Philippine expat]

4. You said you are on leave

are you still Active Duty?
If you are you should be aware that TriCare does not
cover Active Duty people, it covers retirees, and
the dependents of both Active Duty and Retirees
Plus Tricare does not cover dental

[PavePusher]

5. Actually, for any Active Duty medical care not on base, it's through Tricare.

But you are correct about dental, that's a seperate program.

[Philippine expat]

6. Must have changed since I retired because

I used to process civilian medical bills for active duty personnel and it was not thru
Tricare