Surgery (General)

TRICARE covers surgery when needed and when it's a proven procedure.

Laser surgery may be covered to the same extent as conventional surgery when the device being used has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Laser surgery may not be covered for surgical procedures otherwise excluded under TRICARE, including:

  • Pain relief, biostimulation
  • Noncovered surgical services (such as tattoo removal)
  • Arthritis or low back pain
  • Corneal sculpting
  • Body sculpting

Occasionally, you may have non-covered surgical procedure done that leads to other medical complications. TRICARE may cover the cost for the otherwise covered treatment of complications resulting from a non-covered surgery or treatment when the complication represents a medical condition separate from the condition that the non-covered treatment or surgery was directed toward, and treatment of the complication is not essentially similar to the non-covered procedure.

Please check with your regional contractor and get pre-authorization before any surgeries.

Disclaimer:

This list of covered services is not all inclusive. TRICARE covers services that are medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. and considered proven. There are special rules or limits on certain services, and some services are excluded.

Last Updated 3/20/2022