Overseas members get more health care options

Overseas members get more health care options
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday May 7, 2008 6:13:23 EDT

Active-duty members overseas who have urgent medical needs can now use Tricare’s overseas contractor facilities, even if they are near a military treatment facility.

Previously, active-duty members within 40 miles or an hour’s drive of a military treatment facility had to go to that facility for urgent care, defined as medical attention for a condition that does not threaten life or limb but could become more serious if not treated.

“The expanded coverage closes the gap for service members who need immediate medical assistance, particularly during late evening and early morning hours when overseas MTFs may be less than fully staffed,” said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity.

In an emergency, service members and family members should go to the closest emergency care facility or call the Tricare Global Remote Overseas contractor, International SOS. The contractor’s urgent care centers, called Alarm Centers, are available in all three Tricare areas overseas.

If an MTF is nearby, it still will have first right of acceptance in urgent care cases. The Tricare overseas contractor will contact the MTF before treatment to see if the service member can be accommodated at the MTF.


Article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_tricare_overseas_050608w/