The White Falcon - 18.08.2005, Page 4

Patient Safety: What you should know before having liposuction
Submitted by
Naval Hospital Keflavlk
Liposuction remains one of the
most popular plastic surgery proce-
dures available.
However, it’s important to remem-
ber that this cosmetic procedure is
real surgery with real risks.
If you are considering the pos-
sibility of having cosmetic surgery
you need to be aware of all the risks
involved along with a good under-
standing of the post-operative care
needed for these procedures.
Besides ensuring you own health
and safety it’s important to know
what is and what is not covered by
TRICARE Europe.
For instance, did you know that
if you have a complication or side
effect resulting from a non-covered
TRICARE surgery you could be
responsible for any costs associated
with the need for further medical
care or assistance?
The following is an overview of
the TRICARE Europe preautho-
rization program for cosmetic,
plastic, reconstructive, and mor-
bid obesity treatment and surger-
ies, as well as a description of
what is and what is not covered by
TRICARE Europe.
Preauthorization
Beneficiaries seeking cosmetic, plastic, reconstructive,
or morbid obesity surgeries or treatments must contact
their local TRICARE Service Center BEFORE ANY
PROCEDURE is performed by a civilian provider.
TSC experts can answer all of your questions and walk
you through the steps of the preauthorization process.
TRICARE coverage for these types of surgeries or
treatments is very limited. Preauthorization is our way
to ensure that the treatment you seek is covered by
TRICARE. The end result is that you won’t get stuck
with the bill.
In general, TRICARE covers cosmetic, plastic, recon-
structive, and obesity treatments or surgeries that are
medically essential. Those that are not covered are
considered either medically unessential procedures
or side effects resulting directly from non-covered
surgeries.
What is Covered
The following are some of the more common covered
indications:
OCorrection of a congenital anomaly
ORestoration of body form (including revision of
scars) following an accidental injury
ORevision of disfiguring and extensive scars resulting
from cancer surgery
Please review the Fact Sheet
from TRICARE Europe regard-
ing Cosmetic, Plastic, and Morbid
Obesity Surgery.
For further questions regarding
your benefits please contact your
TRICARE representative at Naval
Hospital Keflavik, LT LaShelle
Hamilton, 3274.
Most importantly, please make an
appointment with your Primary Care
Manager (PCM) concerning any cos-
metic procedure that you may be
considering. Your PCM can help
you determine whether or not you
are a good surgical candidate, ways
to improve your health prior to an
elective procedure, and potential
issues involving your current medi-
cine regimen.
The Hospital is standing by to help
answer any questions or concerns
that may arise.
Other resources:
PCM appointments, 3301
www.europe.tricare.osd.mil
OTopical treatment for severe scarring and keloid
lesions resulting from burns, surgical procedures or
traumatic events, only if there is evidence of impaired
function
OReconstructive breast surgery following a medically
necessary mastectomy
What is NOT Covered
There are also a number of surgeries NOT covered by
TRICARE. These include:
OProcedures performed for psychological or psychi-
atric reasons or as a result of the aging process
OBreast augmentation procedures
ORevision of scars resulting from surgery and/or
disease process, except disfiguring and extensive scars
resulting from cancer surgery
OFace Lifts
OBreast Reduction (unless there is a medical docu-
mentation of intractable pain not amenable to other
forms of treatment)
OPanniculectomy (tummy tuck) procedures
ORemoval of tattoos
OLiposuction for body contouring
OThe removal of silicone or saline breast implants
The Bottom Line
If you are considering cosmetic, plastic, reconstruc-
tive, or obesity surgery or treatment, the Health Ben-
efits Advisor at your local TRICARE Service Center
can help determine your coverage.
You can find the number for your local TRICARE
Service Center at www.europe.tricare.osd.mil/benefit/
tsclist.asp. You can also call your local military Medi-
cal Treatment Facility or the Centralized TRICARE
Service Center at 00-49-(0) 6302-67-7433 to find your
servicing TSC number.
Page 4 The White Falcon Aug. 18, 2005