Active Duty Service Members

Your status as an active duty service member means you’re covered by TRICARE Prime for claims purposes, but your rules for getting care are slightly different.

Direct CareIt's care you get at military hospitals and clinics. To learn more visit the Military Hospitals and Clinics page. Some individuals may get direct care only when space is available.

Direct care is care you get at military hospitals and clinics. When you’re stationed at a military installation that has a hospital/clinic or troupe clinic, you’re assigned to a primary care manager, where you’re required to get all your medical care. If you’re assigned to a ship, you will get care from the medical team on board.

Any care that your PCM can’t provide (other than emergency care) requires a referral. This includes urgent care.

As an active duty service member:

• You must call your PCM or use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to book an appointment at your assigned military hospital or clinic.
• If you’re unable to go to your PCM or military hospital or clinic, you’ll need a referral or pre-authorization to seek outside care with a network provider.
• If after hours, contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line to make an appointment.
• You must have a referral from your PCM for any care they can’t provide.
• Your PCM works with your regional contractor for referral and authorization.
• Your contractor will try to refer you to a military hospital or clinic.
• If not available, you’ll be referred to a network provider.

Urgent Care

You should seek urgent care at your assigned military hospital or clinic. If you’re away from home or your duty station, contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line or your regional contractor for help obtaining urgent care. You must:

• Still have a referral from your PCM
• Call your PCM the next duty day to inform them of care you received.

Emergency Care

In an emergency, you may seek care at a network provider.

• Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• You may need to pay up front and file a claim for reimbursement.
• Keep all receipts and file claims in the region where you live, not where you get the care.
• Call your PCM or military hospital or clinic within 24 hours of getting care or the next business day.

Your Primary Care Manager