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TRICARE Policy Manual 6010.63-M, April 2021
Surgery
Chapter 4
Section 1.1
Complications (Unfortunate Sequelae) Resulting From Noncovered Surgery Or Treatment
Issue Date:  April 11, 1984
Authority:  32 CFR 199.4(e)(9)
Revision:  C-20, October 2, 2024
1.0  POLICY
1.1  Benefits are available for the otherwise covered treatment of complications resulting from a noncovered surgery or treatment only when the complication represents a medical condition separate from the condition that the noncovered treatment or surgery was directed toward, and treatment of the complication is not essentially similar to the noncovered procedure.
1.2  A complication may be considered a separate medical condition when it causes a systemic effect, occurs in a different body system from the noncovered treatment, or is an unexpected complication which is untoward based upon prior clinical experience with the procedure.
Benefits are available for the otherwise covered services and supplies required in the treatment of complications resulting from a non-covered incident of treatment (such as non-adjunctive dental care or cosmetic surgery), but only if the later complication represents a separate medical condition such as a systemic infection, cardiac arrest, or acute drug reaction.
2.0  EXCLUSIONS
2.1  The complication occurs in the same body system or the same anatomical area of the noncovered treatment; and
2.2  The complication is one that commonly occurs. An example of a complication that commonly occurs is one that occurs often enough that it is ordinarily disclosed during the process of informed consent.
Benefits may not be extended for any later care, or a procedure related to the complication, that essentially is similar to the initial non-covered care. Examples of complications similar to the initial episode of care (and thus not covered) would be repair of facial scarring resulting from dermabrasion for acne.
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