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Spouse CallsJoin the conversation with Stripes columnist Terri Barnes, as she explores issues relevant to the lives of military spouses. |
Navigating dental referrals
Posted July 15th, 2007 by Terri Barnes in
A question from a reader, Debby, in the July 15 Spouse Calls illustrates that seeking civilian dental providers can be a challenge for military families living overseas. Military dental facilities provide care to family members on a space available basis, but in some situations, civilian care is necessary for spouses and children.
Off base/post care is covered by Tricare through United Concordia Companies, Inc., but guidance in how to utilize these services is difficult to find, Debby discovered.
Patients (who must be enrolled in the Tricare Dental Program) must make appointments and payment, then file paperwork with UCCI for reimbursement. Click here for OCONUS claim form.
Tricare has initiated a list of "preferred" providers -- in eight cities in Germany -- who will file paperwork for UCCI patients. The Tricare Web site has a search tool to find providers on that list, who will file claims forms for patients and usually not require payment upfront, said George Woodward of Tricare Europe.
On the Tricare site there is a fact sheet for overseas dental care, I was able to find out there that orthodontics and implants require a referral, but all other care does not.
The dental clinic at your installation may provide a list of local providers. I have heard spouses' comments indicating this is not the case at every clinic, but asking at the appointment desk is a good place to start.
I would like to hear readers' comments and practical insights concerning civilian dental care overseas.
Dental care in Germany
We live in a "remote" area but have had a dentist here since we arrived last summer in addition to monthly ortho visits. We were told recently that our dental clinic was shutting and we would no longer have ortho either.
So far we have been given no assistance in finding a dentist or an orthodontist. We have had nobody from Dentac or United Concordia have an open session for residents to explain the changes and how to access dental care. I am very disappointed by how we are being dumped from the system with no assistance.
Renee G. in Garmisch (the mountains aren't all they're cracked up to be)
Dental care in Garmisch
To find out more about your situation in Garmisch, I contacted Dr. George Schad of Tricare Europe. He confirmed that the Army has decided not to send a replacement dentist to the facility, but did not know the date the facility will close.
"The dentist who is assigned there is leaving soon. He is working to develop written guidance and information that will inform the base population about their options for getting dental care in the civilian community," Dr. Schad said. "He and the Wurzburg DENTAC Commander, Col. Etzenbach, have both asked me to come to Garmisch to speak ... at an informational forum that they are planning on presenting to the community. I have told them that I would be glad to do that."
Dr. Schad added that families like yours, Renee, who live in the Garmisch area will need to enroll in the Tricare Dental Program, and then you will be able to utilize the UCCI dental insurance. This means that UCCI will cover the cost of dental care, which families will receive from local providers.
For most care, UCCI covers all costs. The exceptions are implants and orthodontics.
Dr. Schad said the military orthodontist from Stuttgart, who has been serving patients at Garmisch, will make one more visit there in August. "After that, the family members who have been getting care from that military dentist will have to transfer to a civilian dentist in the area."
Garmisch clinic closure
Renee,
While looking for information about the Garmisch dental clinic, I contacted Col. John Etzenbach, who is the DENTAC commander for the Bavarian region.
He sent me a press release from The European Regional Dental Command dated July 25 confirming that your clinic will close as of Sept. 28.
Col. Etzenbach commented in the press release that the recommendation for dental care in the Army is one dentist per 1,250 soldiers, and Garmisch has only 105 active duty members. Click here for the story by Charlie Coon in the July 28 Stars & Stripes.
After the closure, active duty members will receive dental care through the International SOS. Family members will need to enroll in the Tricare Dental Plan and will be seen off base, according to the press release.
For more about that, see my post from July 20 (below) the interview with Dr. George Schad.
Terri
Overseas Dental Care
When we first arrived here in Mannheim three years ago, receiving care as a dependent at the dental clinic was not a problem. About six months ago, that changed.
I tried repeatedly to get an appointment, and was continually told to call back the following month. Finally, I was informed that I should seek out a local dentist for care.
No guidance was provided other than "go to the website for information". Nobody was able to suggest a dentist. The Tricare office at BFV clinic does not handle dental claims and can provide no information other than "go to the website". I'd like to know what they expect people without an Internet connection to do.
I ended up randomly choosing a dentist from the approved list at http://www.europe.tricare.osd.mil/dental/default.asp - fortunately I lucked out and he turned out to be quite good. I had to pay up front and now must fill out the reimbursement form and wait.
Link to list of dentists
I'm glad you were able to find a dentist, Michelle, and thank you for sharing the link to the list of dentists. The link gives choices for countries throughout Europe, so it should be helpful to the rest of us too.
It is challenging to navigate the system on your own, but you are obviously up to that challenge.
Terri