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When using TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra, you may receive care from any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. Some services will require prior authorization
Remember, you can use either a network or non-network provider at any time. For example, if an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist are treating you, one could be a network provider and the other could be a non-network provider.
Keep track of the type of providers you are seeing. Visits to a network provider (TRICARE Extra) will cost you less out of pocket, and the provider will file claims on your behalf. With a non-network provider (TRICARE Standard), you’ll pay more out of pocket and may have to file your own claims.
A military treatment facility (MTF) is a military hospital or clinic usually located on or near a military base. You may receive care at an MTF, but only on a space-available basis. MTF appointments are limited, and you will have the lowest priority for receiving care at an MTF.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
TRICARE defines an emergency as a medical, maternity, or psychiatric condition that would lead a “prudent layperson” (someone with average knowledge of health and medicine) to believe that a serious medical condition exists, that the absence of medical attention would result in a threat to the patient’s life, limb, or eyesight, that the patient requires immediate medical treatment, or that the patient has painful symptoms requiring immediate attention to relieve suffering. If you require emergency care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are admitted, you may need to obtain authorization from Humana Military.
Urgent care is for an illness or injury that would not result in further disability or death if not treated immediately, but does require professional attention within 24 hours. You would require urgent care for conditions such as a sprain, sore throat, or rising temperature that have the potential to develop into an emergency if treatment is delayed longer than 24 hours. Urgent care is not the same as emergency care and you can schedule a “same day” urgent care appointment with a network or non-network provider without a referral. Some services may require prior authorization.
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