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Referral Denial

TRICARE Denied Your Specialist Referral?

TRICARE (Military Health System) denies 12% of claims on average. But 55% of appeals succeed when patients fight back. Your specialist referral denial may have grounds for a successful appeal.

12%
Denial Rate
55%
Appeal Success
30-60 days
Typical Timeline
$500–$5,000
Typical Claim

Why TRICARE Denies Specialist Referral

Primary care can manage the condition

Out-of-network specialist not covered

Referral authorization expired or not obtained

TRICARE's Common Denial Tactics

Denying non-network care when network providers unavailable

Prior authorization requirements for specialty referrals

Classifying care as not medically necessary per DoD criteria

How to Win Your Specialist Referral Appeal

PCP letter explaining why specialist care is needed

Documentation of failed primary care treatment

Evidence no in-network specialist is available for the condition

Laws That Protect You

ACA network adequacy requirements

State any-willing-provider laws

No Surprises Act for emergency specialist care

Tips for Appealing to TRICARE

TRICARE appeals go through the Defense Health Agency, not state regulators

Cite DoD medical necessity criteria specifically

Request a formal reconsideration before escalating to the DHA

Ready to Fight Your Specialist Referral Denial?

Upload your denial letter and get an AI-powered analysis in minutes. We'll identify the weaknesses in TRICARE's reasoning and build your appeal strategy.

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This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. Statistics cited are from publicly available sources including KFF, HHS OIG, and state insurance department data. Individual results may vary. Consult a qualified professional before taking action on your specific situation.

TRICARE Denied Your Specialist Referral? Here's How to Appeal | Lysco