What kind of TRICARE doc can you have? Published June 25, 2009 By Shari Lopatin TriWest Healthcare Alliance HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Most military families have a primary care manager, but not everyone knows who qualifies as one. TRICARE defines a primary care manager--frequently referred to as a PCM--as "a civilian network provider or military treatment facility provider who provides primary care services to TRICARE beneficiaries." Most families with TRICARE Prime or Prime Remote have a PCM. This is the person to run to for all non-emergency services. Either the beneficiary will choose or the military installation clinic will appoint a family its PCM. So, who to pick? A favorite gynecologist? A favorite pediatrician? Actually, a PCM may be a certified medical professional who practices within the state's rules and regulations and has signed a contract to be a TRICARE PCM. That could be anyone from a pediatrician to a nurse practitioner. Either way, the medical professional must be within the beneficiary's Prime Service Area. A PCM may be a: · Certified nurse midwife · Family practitioner · General practitioner · Gynecologist · Internal medicine physician · Nurse practitioner · Obstetrician · Pediatrician · Physician assistant For more information, visit the TRICARE Provider Directory at www.triwest.com or call 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378).