What kind of TRICARE doc can you have?

  • Published
  • By Shari Lopatin
  • TriWest Healthcare Alliance
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).