WSU to Study Iraq Toxins' Effect
Spokesman-Review
by Bert Caldwell
Research to examine how exposure might damage offspring of soldiers
Washington State University scientists will use a $1.7 million grant to study what multi-generation genetic damage might be done by toxins U.S. troops could encounter in Iraq.
The research using laboratory rats, not humans, will be the first for the military to examine the epigenetic effects of pesticides, herbicides and other compounds, said lead scientist Michael Skinner, director of the university's Center for Reproductive Biology.
Previous studies have looked at the health effects of other substances, notably the Agent Orange used to defoliate jungles in Vietnam, on the soldiers directly exposed, he said, not on their children or grandchildren.
"The science really had not caught up with the trans-generational stuff," said Skinner, one of several WSU pioneers in the field of epigenetic, or multi-generational, inheritance.
Besides herbicides and pesticides – which and in what combinations has not been determined – the study also will look at the effects of explosives residues, he said.
The four-year study will allow researchers to see how any changes in genetic chemistry that develop are passed along through two subsequent generations of rats, he said, noting that only the first two years of research have been funded.
Among the problems that might develop are kidney disease, or changes in the male and female reproductive organs, he said.
If any genetic markers are identified in rats, Skinner said, follow-up research could look at whether they might show up among members of the military as well.
That would be of particular interest to Dave Holmes, interim chief operating officer of the Institute for Systems Medicine, which was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense grant passed through to Skinner.
Holmes' son, Tim Hammond, did two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps.
"They sprayed all kinds of stuff on them," Holmes said.
Although the grant money, the first awarded ISM, will fund work in Pullman, he said the organization's supporters hope any subsequent clinical studies will be done in Spokane.
"There's a lot of excitement about making it happen," he said.
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One year filing deadline for TRICARE claims
February 04, 2010 11:49 PM
PHOENIX — When you visit the doctor, you probably pay your co-pay, then leave.
But what if you visit an out-of-network doctor or have other health insurance? You might need to file your own TRICARE claim, something your TRICARE network provider is required to do for you.
That’s why you should know this important rule: You have one year, from the date of your medical visit or discharge for inpatient services,
to file that claim. Once you do that, TRICARE will process your claim and send you any applicable reimbursement, depending on your plan.
To file your own TRICARE claim, follow these steps:
• Ensure your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) is current. This can be done in several ways:
• In person at a military personnel office or uniformed services ID card-issuing facility
• Online through the DEERS Web site by visiting www.tricare.mil/deers
• By mail by sending the required information to Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office, Attention: COA, 400 Gigling Road, Seaside, CA 93955-6771
• Via Fax, 1-831-655-8317, or
• By Phone, 1-800-538-9552.
Once you update DEERS, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, which administers TRICARE throughout the West Region, will be notified of any changes. Verify with TriWest the changes have been made before proceeding.
Complete and sign the Beneficiary Claim Form, DD Form 2642. If you were injured at work, home, or in an accident, you may need to complete the Statement of Personal Injury — Possible Third Party Liability Form, DD Form 2527. Both forms are available by clicking on “Find a Form” at www.triwest.com. Please note if you were injured and go to a hospital, hospitals file your claims for you. Yet some emergency room doctors, urgent care doctors, radiologists or ambulance companies may not file claims.
Attach a copy of the doctor’s bill to the claim form (DD Form 2642). Make sure the billing information includes the name and address of the person who treated you, the date and place of each service, a description of each service, the charge for each service, and the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is not on the bill, remember to complete “Block 8a” on DD Form 2642. After that, mail the information within the one-year deadline to: West Region Claims, PO Box 77028, Madison, WI 53707-1028.
If you have primary health insurance, other than TRICARE or Medicare, your provider needs to submit your claim to that company first. After your primary insurance company pays its portion, some providers will then file the secondary claim with TRICARE. If they don’t, you will send in the claim. Make sure to attach your Explanation of Benefits showing the amount to be paid to the provider.
Registered users of triwest.com receive QuickAlert notifications when their claims status changes. You can also learn how to Go Green with statements on www.triwest.com/gogreen. For more information and exceptions to the one-year filing deadline for claims, visit: www.triwest.com/beneficiary/claims.aspx
