TRICARE Prime Members Need MTF or PCM Referral for Urgent, Out of Area Care

Effective April 1, 2007, Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Prime beneficiaries seeking urgent or out of area care were required to obtain an authorization from the MTF or their Primary Care Managers (PCM) prior to receiving services.* Failure to secure the authorization will result in the claim being processed under the Point of Service benefit, with a higher out of pocket cost for the beneficiary.

*NOTE: Based on individual service directives, the following facilities are excluded from this policy. Prime beneficiaries with PCMs at the following locations should contact the MTF for specific directions or call 1-888-TRIWEST (888-874-9378):

• William Beaumont Army Medical Center (Texas)
• Elmendorf Air Force Base (Alaska)
• Fort Wainwright (Alaska)
• Naval Hospital Bremerton (Washington)
• Madigan Army Medical Center (Washington)
• Tripler (Hawaii)