Referrals and Pre-Authorizations
A referral is when your primary care manager or provider sends you to another provider for care that they don’t provide.
A pre-authorization is when your regional contractor approves your care before you go to your appointment. If you’re being referred, your provider will get you a referral and pre-authorization at the same time.
When care is approved:
Your regional contractor sends you an authorization letter with specific instructions. You can find this letter in your region’s patient portal.
You must:
- Book your appointment with the provider listed in the authorization letter. If you need to find another provider, contact your regional contractor.
- Get care before the authorization expires. Otherwise, you’ll need to get the care reapproved.
Note: Active duty service members need a referral for most care received outside of their assigned military hospital or clinic.
Looking to book an appointment online at a military hospital or clinic?
You can use the
MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to book an appointment.
Service Point of Contact Information
- Department of Defense SPOCs (Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps) are located at the Military Medical Support Office at Defense Health Agency—Great Lakes.
- U.S. Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration SPOCs are located at the Medical Affairs Branch of the Office of Commissioned Corps Support Services.
- U.S. Coast Guard personnel should call the Coast Guard Benefits Line.