Types of Military Facilities

Military hospitals and clinics are:

  • The core of the Military Health System
  • Found at military installations around the world
  • Sometimes called “military treatment facilities” and “MTFs”

Care you get at military hospitals and clinics is called “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..”

Find a military hospital or clinic:

Defense Health Networks

Military hospitals and clinics are organized into one of nine Defense Health Networks. DHNs:

  • Are integrated networks of military hospitals, clinics, and dental facilities
  • Operate as a coordinated system to improve the delivery and continuity of your health services
Medical centers
  • Are the largest type of military healthcare facility
  • Offer hospitalization and outpatient services
  • Offer multiple specialtiesA branch of medicine or surgery that a doctor specializes in. and sub-specialtiesA narrow field of work within a specialty.
  • Serve as trauma centers in the community for military and civilian patients
  • Usually participate in general medical education and medical research programs
Hospitals
  • Smaller than medical centers
  • Offer hospitalization and outpatient services
  • Offer multiple specialties but not sub-specialties
Clinics
  • Are the smallest type of military healthcare facility
  • Only offer outpatient services (no hospitalization)
  • Offer a limited number of specialties—some clinics are limited to primary care only.

Note: Some clinics are limited to active duty service members only.

Information About Quality, Patient Safety, and Access

The MHS is committed to making it easy for you to find information on how our health system is performing.

You can see for yourself how well we’re doing. Visit MHS Quality, Patient Safety, and Access Information to learn how we measure our performance. You’ll find data files showing how we score on industry standard measures for:

  • Patient safety
  • Healthcare outcomes
  • Quality of care
  • Patient satisfaction and access to care
MHS Video Connect
If you get your health care at a military hospital or clinic, you can meet with your care team using secure, live video through MHS Video Connect. You and your family can access care where and when is best for you. >>Learn more.

Last Updated 11/20/2024