San Diego Babies
Options
Balboa Military vs. civilian hosipital???
hi this is my first child, and I was just wondering if anyone has
delivered both at Balboa Naval and a local San Diego Hospital. With the
way the TriCare Prime is here in San Diego (I guess due to military
overpopulation) I have the option of staying with my civilian doctor,
and it is all covered (or so they say) or I can go to Balboa Naval. I
chose an OB who was a referral from a friend who is also over 35 and
the doctor kinda specializes with "older" mothers
I was so sure that is what I wanted to do, but for some reason now I am having some doubts. Do any of you have any experience with both military and civilian births?
I was so sure that is what I wanted to do, but for some reason now I am having some doubts. Do any of you have any experience with both military and civilian births?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Balboa Military vs. civilian hosipital???
i didn't actually deliver at balboa but i received all my prenatal care through them and did a walk-through and took two classes there... it wasn't horrible, but they are VERY inflexible with just about everything and i knew it was not where i wanted to deliver at all-i switched out at 34 weeks because i was so unhappy.
i ended up delivering at best start, and even though i had to change to standard, it was worth it a hundred times over. it was completely covered still, and was just what i wanted. the only reason i had to change to standard was because i had received so much care through the MTF and they had plenty of space still. but it is completely possible to remain on prime and see a civilian doctor and deliver wherever you want and it will be covered 100%, with the exception of possibly having to pay $25 dollars per night of hospitilization, but that may just be for standard.
either way, if you are unsure at all, take this chance while you have it!
I didn't deliver at Balboa, but I did have to see a cardiologist there and didn't have a great experience. I delivered at UCSD and was a patient of Dr. Moore....I would stick with civilian, and don't worry about the coverage...everything is still covered.
That being said, I had a friend who had uncomplicated pregnancy, delivered at Balboa and said she had a great experience. I personally just prefer the civilian doctors over the military ones (we also fought and were able to have our baby stay with a civilian pedi after we were reassigned to a military one and were unable to get a well baby appointment months out).
Don't doubt yourself, I think you made a great choice!