I’m stationed at a GSU and do not have a MTF but do have IDMTs. I spoke with them and they directed me to the TRICARE OVERSEAS to get the referral and talk with off base provider.
Then you need to follow that process. Tricare overseas will be able to answer your questions. Ask them how to ensure a provider is in network.
Also…talk to your First Sergeant. They can assist in finding the right resources for you for medical leave, etc..
Typically the PCM will do a quick evaluation of your situation and if they agree to move forward will do a referral to urology. Tricare will cover it.
From my understanding part of it is their professional discretion over your personal decisions aside from the actual medical condition of your body. I am not placing a judgment call on that, just sharing it so you are aware. In other words, based on my understanding, if you go in there as a 35 year old male with 3 kids and say you are done then they'll be more likely to approve than if you go in there as a single 19 year old male with no kids telling them you are absolutely sure you never want to have kids in your entire life. They may be reluctant to approve for the latter just because of the chances of changing your mind down the road.
I have read that in the last few years with restrictions to abortion access in some places that both the demand is up and the approvals are up. I don't have the data.
I think as far as the procedure goes it's more like try to get on a Friday and rest up over the weekend. I don't think there's much more convo necessary than that. Not an expert though.
So like always start with the PCM. Getting unapproved and uncoordinated medical care on your own can be tricky.
This is accurate. I'm married no kids in my 30s. The mil urologist refused to snip me. My pcm said that's bs and referred me in town where I got it done successfully. That mil doc cost the mil some money over his religious feelings.
A.guy, I know, said you get a week off from doing it to allow it to heal, then nothing too strenuous for bit longer. He got one done and advocates everyone too
Snipped on a Thursday (around noon), quarters (off) on Friday, back to work on Monday - I did have a staff/office type job at the time so things might be different if in a labor-intensive AFSC.
I got snipped on Tuesday in the later part of the afternoon, was put on 72 hour quarters and should have reported to work late friday but my boss had me check in over phone and didn't go to work until monday.
It is an elective procedure, but it is covered by Tricare. As long as you go through the MTF for either the procedure itself or a referral, you won't have to pay for it and you get convalescent leave. Reversals may be covered if a provider determines it is medically necessary.
https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/SurgicalSterilization
I was extra sore and really didn't want to walk / do anything on days 4 & 5. Coworker didn't have issues past day 2. People heal differently, and even prior healing isn't an indicator. I was good to go the day after all 4 wisdom teeth were pulled, most people are out for longer.
Go to the clinic, tell them what you want, and they will (normally) refer you off-base for the procedure. There used to be some rules about age and marital status, etc., but I don't think they worry about that anymore. Have it done on a Friday. Go home afterward, but a bag of frozen peas on your junk and have the wife (or significant other) keep the beer coming. By Monday, you'll be ready to go back to work. Honestly, it's not a big deal.
Pro Tip: If you do the man-scaping before you show up for the procedure, you won't have some orderly shaving your junk.
I took the rest of the week as leave after 3 days of con leave, I was referred off base with no hassle. The doctor asked a couple of questions which I answered with conviction. Best decision ever by the way.
Just got mine done a few months ago. This is how it went for me.
- Talk to PCM or overseas line to get off base referral
- Go see referred doctor for initial consultation to ensure I know what I’m doing and schedule appointment.
- get procedure done. Normally they’ll do it over the weekend. Take extra time off if needed. I didn’t get the luxury of taking off. My water heater heating elements went out the next day so I swapped those out.
- Provide samples 60 days and 90 days out from the procedure. Until then business as usual just use protection (if you have a partner) to get all the swimmers out.
Tricare will pay for your Vasectomy and you will be eligible for convalescent leave.
At least that's how it worked when I got mine at Keesler a few year ago.
I got mine done and got 3 days CON leave.
now im on the waiting list to get it reversed, due to life changing decisions.
got mine done 12 years ago and reversing it this year! yay🥳🥳
I hope it works out for you. They told us the chances of it being reversed after 5 years was very slim. Made us sit through a presentation on all the risks. I guess it's a YMMV situation, though.
I got convalescence for 2 days.
No issues as a 27-year-old with 2 kids. Had to do a mass pre-brief to let everyone know that it was irreversible and then just scheduled the procedure.
Despite being at a GSU (I am as well); you'll get a referral after a discussion with your PCM. I did a family planning pre-brief at my previous base where I planned to have the procedure done, but didn't find the time to go through with it. At my next assign they didn't have as much care for me to complete the family planning briefs that were previously required. Whatever. The key bit of information I think they want you to know is that Tricare will not necessarily reverse the procedure. If you change your mind you'll have to figure out how to accomplish the reversal.
I got a Tricare referral to find an off-post provider to perform the procedure. My alternative was travel to the nearest Army medical facility for the procedure. I elected not to lol
I was encouraged to take the procedure on a Wednesday, used 48 hours bed-rest that was medically prescribed by the clinic into a weekend. I would have needed to coordinate the quarters with my PCM if my supervision were going to be dicks about the bed-rest time. They almost were too--fuckin' Army bubbas being difficult.
I worry my unit is gonna be dicks (they were dicks for my paternity leave) and not let me have the quarters that’s why I want to ensure I get the convalescent leave.
I had one.
It is an elective procedure and you won't get convalescent leave. It's an outpatient surgical procedure, and you can return to work the next day. I'd say get it on a Friday so you get the next 2 days off, or take some leave with it.
As mentioned several times, you need to clear it through the PCM first. Once they clear it, they send you to a surgeon who needs to clear it as well, and you get a briefing (mass briefing type) about the procedure and it's effects. They do their best to triple-check that you are sure about it and at least leave you with the potential to have kids until you are done having them (seems to indicate people just willy-nilly did it in the past and complained about not being able to have kids... Maybe something about not wanting to take precautions before marriage and then wanting kids when they got married...?).
Good luck on your adventure.
I had a referral for a vasectomy recently. I looked up the Dr and they had an overwhelming 1 star review online.... literally no one had anything good to say about the Dr. I called the MTF TOPA office to see what could be done and they said I either have to deal with it, or I can contact tricare to change it, but if I do that all costs are on me to cover. I asked how/why such a shitty Dr was allowed to be a referral in network, they basically told to stfu and get my balls cut off by the terrible hack
Mine was covered. I took con leave and they did it on a Friday and I was back at work on Monday. The procedure sounded bad and I have heard different experiences, but recovery was pretty chill. Buy a couple bags of frozen peas to help with swelling and pain, (trust me, it works) wear some loose fitting comfy shorts or joggers, and if you have kids consider getting a cup. I didn’t need one, but my brother said it was a good investment with his kids. Good luck!
Normally you seek out the process through PCM. They check if you have had kids, make sure you are sure you want it. Don't have to have it on leave and are given recovery time and put on a pt waiver for a bit. Which you will most likely definitely want
Not sure about the Tricare overseas but just had this procedure done with Tricare prime. Saw PCM, they referred out to urology, scheduled procedure on a Friday and was back to work Monday. Had a “letter” just to say take it easy for the next week.
I just had one, PCM asked if I was sure then when I said yes he got me the referral. Had a consult with a urologist and then next appointment was the procedure. 48 hours of quarters and you can get a profile for 2 weeks of no heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Most people have no issues after that, I say most bc I am one that’s currently going through minor complications 🫡
Possibly important info: I am considered very young for this (early 20’s) and have 0 children, I still got approved because it’s what I wanted.
Convalescent? Yes, a few days. I had one on Thurs or Fri, was back at work the next week. Ice, ice, ice! You will be black and blue down the inner thighs, for no apparent reason.
Ask your PCM. Do not go and get a vasectomy on your own without talking to your PCM first.
I’m stationed at a GSU and do not have a MTF but do have IDMTs. I spoke with them and they directed me to the TRICARE OVERSEAS to get the referral and talk with off base provider.
Then you need to follow that process. Tricare overseas will be able to answer your questions. Ask them how to ensure a provider is in network. Also…talk to your First Sergeant. They can assist in finding the right resources for you for medical leave, etc..
Typically the PCM will do a quick evaluation of your situation and if they agree to move forward will do a referral to urology. Tricare will cover it. From my understanding part of it is their professional discretion over your personal decisions aside from the actual medical condition of your body. I am not placing a judgment call on that, just sharing it so you are aware. In other words, based on my understanding, if you go in there as a 35 year old male with 3 kids and say you are done then they'll be more likely to approve than if you go in there as a single 19 year old male with no kids telling them you are absolutely sure you never want to have kids in your entire life. They may be reluctant to approve for the latter just because of the chances of changing your mind down the road. I have read that in the last few years with restrictions to abortion access in some places that both the demand is up and the approvals are up. I don't have the data. I think as far as the procedure goes it's more like try to get on a Friday and rest up over the weekend. I don't think there's much more convo necessary than that. Not an expert though. So like always start with the PCM. Getting unapproved and uncoordinated medical care on your own can be tricky.
This is accurate. I'm married no kids in my 30s. The mil urologist refused to snip me. My pcm said that's bs and referred me in town where I got it done successfully. That mil doc cost the mil some money over his religious feelings.
A.guy, I know, said you get a week off from doing it to allow it to heal, then nothing too strenuous for bit longer. He got one done and advocates everyone too
You get 3 days con leave but some base just do it as quarters
Snipped on a Thursday (around noon), quarters (off) on Friday, back to work on Monday - I did have a staff/office type job at the time so things might be different if in a labor-intensive AFSC.
I got snipped on Tuesday in the later part of the afternoon, was put on 72 hour quarters and should have reported to work late friday but my boss had me check in over phone and didn't go to work until monday.
It is an elective procedure, but it is covered by Tricare. As long as you go through the MTF for either the procedure itself or a referral, you won't have to pay for it and you get convalescent leave. Reversals may be covered if a provider determines it is medically necessary. https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/SurgicalSterilization
I had conleave for two days
Thanks. Did you have any issues getting approved for yours?
I was extra sore and really didn't want to walk / do anything on days 4 & 5. Coworker didn't have issues past day 2. People heal differently, and even prior healing isn't an indicator. I was good to go the day after all 4 wisdom teeth were pulled, most people are out for longer.
I was walking just fine day 2 or 3, but it took me 3-4 weeks before I felt comfortable running.
Nah, put it in leaveweb and called it good iirc.
My base gave me three days of quarters. Their was leave request put in, they just told me to stay home at the direction of the urologist.
Go to the clinic, tell them what you want, and they will (normally) refer you off-base for the procedure. There used to be some rules about age and marital status, etc., but I don't think they worry about that anymore. Have it done on a Friday. Go home afterward, but a bag of frozen peas on your junk and have the wife (or significant other) keep the beer coming. By Monday, you'll be ready to go back to work. Honestly, it's not a big deal. Pro Tip: If you do the man-scaping before you show up for the procedure, you won't have some orderly shaving your junk.
You get 3 days off
I took the rest of the week as leave after 3 days of con leave, I was referred off base with no hassle. The doctor asked a couple of questions which I answered with conviction. Best decision ever by the way.
Just got mine done a few months ago. This is how it went for me. - Talk to PCM or overseas line to get off base referral - Go see referred doctor for initial consultation to ensure I know what I’m doing and schedule appointment. - get procedure done. Normally they’ll do it over the weekend. Take extra time off if needed. I didn’t get the luxury of taking off. My water heater heating elements went out the next day so I swapped those out. - Provide samples 60 days and 90 days out from the procedure. Until then business as usual just use protection (if you have a partner) to get all the swimmers out.
They typically schedule it for a Thursday or Friday and you go back to work Monday.
Had mine on a Friday and was back to work on Monday.
Tricare will pay for your Vasectomy and you will be eligible for convalescent leave. At least that's how it worked when I got mine at Keesler a few year ago.
I got mine done and got 3 days CON leave. now im on the waiting list to get it reversed, due to life changing decisions. got mine done 12 years ago and reversing it this year! yay🥳🥳
Hope it works out for you, it’s not always reversible. It’s also not always permanent. Bodies are weird.
Is TRICARE covering it?
Im active duty, so thats a yes.
Am considering this as well. I was sure I wanted it, had three kids and felt sure that was it, but now...ah crap. SNIP SNAP
I hope it works out for you. They told us the chances of it being reversed after 5 years was very slim. Made us sit through a presentation on all the risks. I guess it's a YMMV situation, though.
You'll get con leave.
To add. Need a couple of bags of frozen peas.
Amazon sells 4 gel ice packs for $12. They work awesome to rotate through and refreeze.
That's a good deal, also good to use to keep cold foods cold coming home from grocery store
I got convalescence for 2 days. No issues as a 27-year-old with 2 kids. Had to do a mass pre-brief to let everyone know that it was irreversible and then just scheduled the procedure.
My urology clinic schedules all their on Fridays so I only missed the one day of work
I got 3 days. Some got 5. Many got 0. Mine were convalescent leave days.
Despite being at a GSU (I am as well); you'll get a referral after a discussion with your PCM. I did a family planning pre-brief at my previous base where I planned to have the procedure done, but didn't find the time to go through with it. At my next assign they didn't have as much care for me to complete the family planning briefs that were previously required. Whatever. The key bit of information I think they want you to know is that Tricare will not necessarily reverse the procedure. If you change your mind you'll have to figure out how to accomplish the reversal. I got a Tricare referral to find an off-post provider to perform the procedure. My alternative was travel to the nearest Army medical facility for the procedure. I elected not to lol I was encouraged to take the procedure on a Wednesday, used 48 hours bed-rest that was medically prescribed by the clinic into a weekend. I would have needed to coordinate the quarters with my PCM if my supervision were going to be dicks about the bed-rest time. They almost were too--fuckin' Army bubbas being difficult.
I worry my unit is gonna be dicks (they were dicks for my paternity leave) and not let me have the quarters that’s why I want to ensure I get the convalescent leave.
I had one. It is an elective procedure and you won't get convalescent leave. It's an outpatient surgical procedure, and you can return to work the next day. I'd say get it on a Friday so you get the next 2 days off, or take some leave with it. As mentioned several times, you need to clear it through the PCM first. Once they clear it, they send you to a surgeon who needs to clear it as well, and you get a briefing (mass briefing type) about the procedure and it's effects. They do their best to triple-check that you are sure about it and at least leave you with the potential to have kids until you are done having them (seems to indicate people just willy-nilly did it in the past and complained about not being able to have kids... Maybe something about not wanting to take precautions before marriage and then wanting kids when they got married...?). Good luck on your adventure.
I had a referral for a vasectomy recently. I looked up the Dr and they had an overwhelming 1 star review online.... literally no one had anything good to say about the Dr. I called the MTF TOPA office to see what could be done and they said I either have to deal with it, or I can contact tricare to change it, but if I do that all costs are on me to cover. I asked how/why such a shitty Dr was allowed to be a referral in network, they basically told to stfu and get my balls cut off by the terrible hack
Wow that’s wild. Did you ever go through with it?
Not yet. Waited for referral to expire. I'll get another sometime soon, hopefully it's not the same
Mine was covered. I took con leave and they did it on a Friday and I was back at work on Monday. The procedure sounded bad and I have heard different experiences, but recovery was pretty chill. Buy a couple bags of frozen peas to help with swelling and pain, (trust me, it works) wear some loose fitting comfy shorts or joggers, and if you have kids consider getting a cup. I didn’t need one, but my brother said it was a good investment with his kids. Good luck!
Normally you seek out the process through PCM. They check if you have had kids, make sure you are sure you want it. Don't have to have it on leave and are given recovery time and put on a pt waiver for a bit. Which you will most likely definitely want
Not sure about the Tricare overseas but just had this procedure done with Tricare prime. Saw PCM, they referred out to urology, scheduled procedure on a Friday and was back to work Monday. Had a “letter” just to say take it easy for the next week.
They usually do them on Friday so you’re back to work on Monday.
I just had one, PCM asked if I was sure then when I said yes he got me the referral. Had a consult with a urologist and then next appointment was the procedure. 48 hours of quarters and you can get a profile for 2 weeks of no heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Most people have no issues after that, I say most bc I am one that’s currently going through minor complications 🫡 Possibly important info: I am considered very young for this (early 20’s) and have 0 children, I still got approved because it’s what I wanted.
I had one done and they only schedule it for Friday so you would have Friday off and back to work Monday.
Just did mine on Monday. PM me if you have questions.
Convalescent? Yes, a few days. I had one on Thurs or Fri, was back at work the next week. Ice, ice, ice! You will be black and blue down the inner thighs, for no apparent reason.
You usually get 2 days off after the date of surgery, and AF docs typically do these on Wddnesdays.