So I recently had to do the song and dance of getting on Tricare and choosing what the best option was for me. Now, I have had doctors who worked previously at our local Naval Hospital and were amazing doctors. However, due to the many Navy and Marine Corps bases in our area, (San Diego. We also have the Coast Guard plus a TON of retireees) the amount of people using the hospital is far greater than the amount of available doctors. For a high risk pregnant lady like me, the "Centering classes" they offer in lieu of an actual appointment just wasn't going to cut it. I switched to Standard and started seeing a doctor out in town. But what's the best option for YOU and your area? If you're in another high volume area (such as the Virginia Beach area), maybe seeing a doctor in town is the choice for you. But before you choose here are some facts that you should know:
1. Tricare Standard covers just about any hospital
2. Your entire Prenatal care is covered by Tricare. You are only in charge of covering the $17.50 per day rate for when you stay in the hospital to give birth. You are also in charge of a $150 fee as an initial insurance charge.
3. You can choose your own doctor. If one makes you uncomfortable, you can switch.
4. Some in town doctors ARE covered by Tricare Prime. You can see an in town doctor at no additional charge.
Things to get together BEFORE your first doctor's visit:
1. If you're new to this doctor and Tricare, bring your medical records or have your previous doctor ready to fax them over.
2. Tell your doctor right away if you have a history of miscarriage or any pre-existing conditions. Your doctor may want to refer you to a specialist. I myself had to trade doctors during my pregnancy with my daughter. I was placed on the "high risk" list and routed to a wonderful specialist.
3. List any concerns you have so you remember to bring them up at the appointment.
4. Family history. If there are any hereditary diseases in your family, find out what they are and tell your doctor so he/she can check for them or be aware when delivering the baby.
5. If you had a baby before via C-Section, the doctor will be able to tell, but YOU need to tell the doctor if you want another C-section or if you want to try a vaginal birth this time around. Explore birth options with your doctor.
6. Tell your doctor what you expect out of this pregnancy and their care. That way they can discuss all your options so there are no surprises down the road.
Remember, only go with an OB YOU feel comfortable with. This person will be spending quite a lot of time around your hooha and you when you're feeling gross. If you aren't comfortable, that's a no go. Remember to have a birth plan laid out months in advance and have a bag packed. Also, enjoy your pregnancy! You're about to expand your family! It's a happy time!
1. Tricare Standard covers just about any hospital
2. Your entire Prenatal care is covered by Tricare. You are only in charge of covering the $17.50 per day rate for when you stay in the hospital to give birth. You are also in charge of a $150 fee as an initial insurance charge.
3. You can choose your own doctor. If one makes you uncomfortable, you can switch.
4. Some in town doctors ARE covered by Tricare Prime. You can see an in town doctor at no additional charge.
Things to get together BEFORE your first doctor's visit:
1. If you're new to this doctor and Tricare, bring your medical records or have your previous doctor ready to fax them over.
2. Tell your doctor right away if you have a history of miscarriage or any pre-existing conditions. Your doctor may want to refer you to a specialist. I myself had to trade doctors during my pregnancy with my daughter. I was placed on the "high risk" list and routed to a wonderful specialist.
3. List any concerns you have so you remember to bring them up at the appointment.
4. Family history. If there are any hereditary diseases in your family, find out what they are and tell your doctor so he/she can check for them or be aware when delivering the baby.
5. If you had a baby before via C-Section, the doctor will be able to tell, but YOU need to tell the doctor if you want another C-section or if you want to try a vaginal birth this time around. Explore birth options with your doctor.
6. Tell your doctor what you expect out of this pregnancy and their care. That way they can discuss all your options so there are no surprises down the road.
Remember, only go with an OB YOU feel comfortable with. This person will be spending quite a lot of time around your hooha and you when you're feeling gross. If you aren't comfortable, that's a no go. Remember to have a birth plan laid out months in advance and have a bag packed. Also, enjoy your pregnancy! You're about to expand your family! It's a happy time!