Hospitals
Weed Army Community Hospital (WACH) - Emergency Room
4th St. at Inner Loop
Bldg 166
Fort Irwin, CA 92310
Phone 760-380-3114 / 760-380-3124
Fax 760-380-3249
Health Care
Moving With TRICARE
Whether moving stateside or overseas, active duty families can now switch their TRICARE Prime enrollment by phone! Before you start your move, contact your losing TRICARE health care contractor to see if you need to switch to a new region. TRICARE does the rest! You must update DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) with your new address so you do not have any disruptions in service and your enrollment moves with you. Get contact information, and more TRICARE moving tips on the TRICARE website.
Your TRICARE coverage is completely portable-meaning it moves with you. You are covered worldwide-both in-transit to your new duty location and once you arrive-but depending on where you go, you may use a different TRICARE health plan option. Additionally, you may have different enrollment steps depending on which health plan option is available in your new area.
When Enrolled in a TRICARE Prime Option
The TRICARE Prime options include TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Prime Remote for stateside and TRICARE Prime Overseas and TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas for overseas. Follow these simple steps to set-up Prime coverage in your new location without a break in coverage.
- Do not disenroll from your TRICARE Prime option before you move.
- Call your losing contractor and provide information about your upcoming move; new duty station, expected date of arrival, cell phone number, valid email address, and eligible family members moving to the new location.
- Your losing contractor passes the information along to your new contractor.
- Within five days of your anticipated arrival, your new contractor will try to call/contact you to confirm your arrival and enrollment choices.
- Once you agree to the transfer, the process is complete. It could take up to four days, but you never lose TRICAREPrime/Prime Remote coverage.
There are other ways to set-up Prime in your new area:
- Before moving, visit your local TRICARE Service Center to complete an enrollment change form.
- Go online and set-up your new enrollment via the Beneficiary Web Enrollment website.
- Download and complete a TRICARE Prime Enrollment Application and PCM Change Form. Mail it to the new contractor or drop it at a local TRICARE Service Center.
- Enroll when you in-process at your new duty station.
Enrollment and assignment of a new primary care manager (PCM) should occur within 30 days when moving within the same region, a new region or overseas.
Update your personal information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) immediately, as your new location reflected in DEERS is the key to transferring enrollment.
Where you are moving determines which Prime option is available.
Prime Options in the United States
TRICARE Prime
TRICARE Prime is offered in Prime Service Areas-geographic areas typically located around a military treatment facility-throughout the country.
TRICARE Prime Remote
In non-Prime service areas, which are generally 60 minutes (one hour) drive-time or 50 miles from the nearest MTF, TRICARE offers TRICARE Prime Remote. Enrollment is normally with a network provider when available; otherwise, enrollment is with a TRICARE authorized provider who manages all of your care. Any TRICARE-eligible family members living with you in a TRICARE Prime Remote area can enroll in TRICARE Prime Remote for active duty family members. Be sure to include them on the enrollment form.
|
TRICARE Region |
Managed Care Support Partner |
Call Toll-Free |
Website |
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North |
Health Net Federal Services, Inc. |
877-874-2273 |
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South |
Humana Military Healthcare Services, Inc. |
800-444-5445 |
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West |
UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans |
877-988-9378 |
Prime Options Outside the United States
TRICARE Prime Overseas (TOP)/TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas is a Prime option offered in designated remote overseas locations. Command-sponsored family members who reside with you are eligible for TRICARE Prime Overseas. Be sure to include all family members who wish to use TRICARE Prime Overseas.
Before you move to another overseas area or to an area within the United States, contact the nearest TRICARE Service Center or managed care contractor for assistance.
| TRICARE - Eurasia - Africa | TRICARE - Latin America and Canada | TRICARE - Pacific |
| TOP Regional Call Center (1) +44-20-8762-8384 1-877-678-1207 (Toll-free from the U.S.) http://www.tricare-overseas.com/ Medical Assistance (2) |
TOP Regional Call Center (1) http://www.tricare-overseas.com/ Medical Assistance (2)
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TOP Regional Call Center (1) http://www.tricare-overseas.com/ Sydney: +61-9273-2710 Medical Assistance (2)
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TRICARE Area Office +49-6302-67-6314 Toll Free: 1-888-777-8343, option #1 |
TRICARE Area Office +1-210-292-8520 Toll Free: 1-888-777-8343 option #3 |
TRICARE Area Office +81-6117-43-2036 Toll Free (If calling from U.S.): |
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Health Care Claims TRICARE Active Duty Claims |
Health Care Claims TRICARE Active Duty Claims |
Health Care Claims TRICARE Active Duty Claims |
|
Health Care Claims TRICARE Overseas Program |
Health Care Claims TRICARE Overseas Program |
Health Care Claims TRICARE Overseas Program |
(1) For toll-free numbers contact www.tricare-overseas.com
(2) Only call Medical Assistance numbers to coordinate overseas emergency care
When Using TRICARE Standard and Extra
TRICARE Standard and Extra are available to family members only. Active duty service members are required to enroll in one of the Prime options described above.
TRICARE Standard and Extra are available throughout the United States and enrollment is not required. Any eligible active duty family member who is registered in DEERS may use these programs by seeing any network (Extra) or non-network TRICARE authorized provider. In areas outside of the United States, active duty family members who do not want to use a Prime option may use TRICARE Standard Overseas by seeing qualified host nation providers.
If you are already using TRICARE Standard and Extra, moving is easy.
- Once you arrive at your new location, update your personal information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) immediately.
- Find TRICARE-authorized providers in your new area.
Here are a few things to remember about using TRICARE Standard and Extra in a new region
- In the U.S.: Visit your new regional contractor's website for a list of network providers. Remember, if you see network providers, you will be using the Extra option and pay lower cost shares.
- Outside of the U.S.: Contact International SOS or the MTF Service Center for help locating a qualified host nation provider. The TRICARE Extra option is not available in overseas areas.
- If you move to a new region, you will have a new claims address for submitting your TRICARE claims.
- Learn your new region's prior authorization requirements because these requirements can differ by region.
When Using TRICARE For Life
TRICARE For Life-TRICARE's supplemental coverage for those who are eligible for Medicare and have purchased Medicare Part B - requires no enrollment and you will have a smooth transition when you move. TRICARE for Life contact information: WPSTRICARE For Life, P.O. Box 7889, Madison, WI 53707-7889; 1-866-773-0404; TDD 1-866-773-0405.
- Once you arrive at your new location, update your personal information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) immediately.
- Find Medicare providers in your new area.
- Visit Medicare's website.
If you move overseas, your TRICARE For Life coverage may change depending on where you move. In U.S. Territories such as Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, TRICARE For Life coverage works the same as the stateside program. But, in all other overseas locations, TRICARE For Life Overseas works differently because Medicare does not provide coverage in most overseas locations. Therefore, TRICARE is the primary payer. You can get care from any host nation provider and may have to pay up front for care received. You will be responsible for TRICARE deductibles and cost shares.
Contact International SOS, or the TRICARE Area Office for the overseas area where you are moving, or the nearest American Embassy Health Unit for assistance finding a host nation provider.
Note*** Active Duty and Active Duty Family Members are not required to purchase Medicare Part B until the sponsor is ready to retire or during the special enrollment period. However, it is highly encouraged to purchase it once eligible to avoid loss of TRICARE coverage.
Getting Care Along the Way
Routine Medical and Dental Care-Get it before you go.
Before you move, make sure you have received any routine medical or dental care you think you might need during the time you will be traveling. Or, delay the care until you get to your new duty location. Check supply of all prescription medications and get refills/new prescriptions until you can make an appointment with your new Primary Care Manager (PCM) at your new duty site.
Emergency Care in the United States-Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
TRICARE defines emergency care as medical services provided for a sudden or unexpected medical or psychiatric condition, or the sudden worsening of a chronic (ongoing) condition that is threatening to life, limb, or sight and needs immediate medical treatment, or which has painful symptoms that need immediate relief to stop suffering. If you are near a military treatment facility (MTF), you should go to the MTF or military dental treatment facility for emergency services. If you are seen in a civilian facility, contact your PCM or regional contractor within 24 hours.
Urgent care in the United States-Coordinate with your PCM and/or regional contractor.
TRICARE defines urgent care as medical care for a condition that will not result in disability or death if not treated immediately but should be treated within 24 hours to avoid further complications. If you are in a Prime program, you must coordinate urgent care with your primary care manager and/or regional contractor before receiving the care. If you are in TRICARE Standard and Extra or TRICARE For Life, you can receive care as you normally would. You should, however, contact your contractor as soon as possible to coordinate any prior authorizations that are needed.
Emergency or Urgent care Overseas follow these steps
AD and ADFM enrolled in TRICARE Prime and travelling outside the United States:
- Contact the TRICARE Area Office, or go to their website for assistance finding Emergency or Urgent care.
AD and ADFM stationed overseas:
- For Urgent care coordination, contact your MTF PCM, or
- Contact the closest TRICARE Area Office, or
- Contact the TRICARE Overseas Regional Call Center, or
- Go to their website (internationalsos.com)
You do not need prior authorization for emergency or urgent care but the TRICARE Area Office or TRICARE Global Remote Call Center will help you find the best care available in the overseas area in which you are traveling.
Filling Prescriptions on the Road
You should have all your prescriptions filled before you leave, but if you need a prescription filled while you are traveling in the United States, you have several options:
- If near an MTF, fill the prescription at the MTF pharmacy.
- Find the closest TRICARE network pharmacy.
- If a network pharmacy is not available, you can visit a non-network pharmacy. In this case, you may have to pay up front for your medications and file a claim with Express Scripts, Inc., for reimbursement. For more details, visit the TRICARE website.
- The TRICARE home-delivery is not recommended for a prescription you need right away, but if you'll be away for a long time, you can arrange for any regular prescriptions to be filled via the mail-order pharmacy.
Your pharmacy coverage is limited overseas:
- TRICARE network pharmacies are only located in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can have prescriptions filled at host-nation pharmacies, if necessary. Host-nation pharmacies are treated the same as non-network pharmacies. If you have prescriptions filled at a host-nation pharmacy, you should expect to pay for the total amount up front and file a claim with Wisconsin Physicians Service for partial reimbursement. To learn more about pharmacy claims, visit the TRICARE website.
- To use the mail-order pharmacy overseas, the prescription must be from a U.S. licensed provider and you must have an APO or FPO address.
If You Have Questions
Your regional contractors and TRICARE Area Offices are available to answer your questions. These offices are listed above. Find even more information about moving, updating DEERS, the TRICARE regions and much more at the TRICARE website.
Installation Specific Information
Medical Care
Medical care services are offered through Weed Army Community Hospital, which offers modern facilities with outstanding care. Specialty care, however, is very limited.
Weed Army Community Hospital (WACH) has an inpatient bed capacity of 27. There is no Intensive Care Unit so all patients who require intensive care are stabilized and transported to nearby civilian or military hospitals. WACH does elective outpatient and minor emergency surgery. Pharmacy, laboratory and x-ray services are available.
The military medical staff consists of three Family Practitioners, one Nurse Practitioner, two Pediatricians, two Internist, two General Medical Officers (one is located at MCLB), two Obstetricians, one General Surgeon, two Orthopedic Surgeons, one Orthopedic Physician Assistant, one Regimental Surgeon, and one Psychologist. One Civilian Optometrist comes to Fort Irwin twice each week.
Soldiers are assigned to a primary care manager based on their choice. Family members are encouraged to select a primary care physician (Family Practitioner, Internist or Pediatrician) to be their doctor during their tour at Fort Irwin. This will allow them to develop a more effective relationship with the medical staff.
Emergency Care -- There is 24-hour emergency and urgent care service available.
Special Needs -- If family members are enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, a telephone call to ensure that services are available would be appropriate.
Access to Your Care
The United States Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) stands ready 24 hours a day to support the National Training Center mission and military families who live here. Comprehensive health and preventive medicine services are provided to the active duty personnel, both assigned and rotational, their family members, and retirees.
Weed Army Community Hospital is located in Bldg 166, Inner Loop St. Fort Irwin, CA 92310. They can be reached by calling 760-380-3114.
To make an appointment with your primary Care manager, call Central Appointments, 1-866-460-5305, Monday- Friday, 7:00am- 4:00pm. Select Option 1 to make an appointment, Select Option 2 to cancel an appointment. If you need a follow- up appointment, the clinic must provide you an appointment before you leave the clinic. You can also make a Primary Care appointment via the internet 24 hours a day/7 days a week at TRICARE Online.
Customer Service Representative -- Every Military Treatment Facility (MTF) has a Customer Service Representative or Patient Advocate who is there to assist you with MTF issues, medical care concerns, appointment questions, access standards, and other MTF information.
Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator (BCAC) -- BCACs are ready to assist you with any TRICARE questions you may have and assist you with information about your healthcare benefits.
Debt Collection Assistance Officer (DCAO)--DCAO’s are ready to assist you with debt collection issues due to unpaid TRICARE claims.
Customer Service Representative, BCAC & DCAO can be reached at 760-380-4876.
Patient Responsibilities:
- Be knowledgeable about your TRICARE coverage and program options.
- Be involved in your health care decisions by actively working with your primary care manager and clearly communicating your wants and needs.
- Show respect for other patients and health care workers.
- NO SHOW- Every appointment missed prevents other patients from receiving timely care. Please take time to cancel your appointment if you are not able to make it.
TRICARE Regional Contractor Toll Free: 1- 888-874-9378.
Dental Care
Active duty soldiers receive full dental care through Shuttleworth Dental Clinic. Soldiers should consider enrolling family members in United Concordia Family Member Dental Insurance Plan as care for family members at Shuttleworth is limited.
Homes Near Base
