TRICARE
Welcome to the 59th Medical Wing TRICARE PRIME Family

• A copy of your TRICARE application will serve as your Prime card until you receive the card in the mail in approximately 6 weeks.
• After your enrollment application is processed, we will assign you to an individual PCM. The Appointment Clerk will be able to inform you of the name of your newly appointed PCM the first time you call to schedule an appointment, unless you need an appointment before your application process is complete. Until you have been assigned a PCM, you will be offered an appointment with an appropriate and available provider.
• To make an appointment with your PCM, please call Central Appointments at (210) 916-9900 or call toll free at (800) 443-2262. Once the clerk comes on the line, you will be asked some questions regarding your healthcare needs. Your PCM should be your first stop in accessing care. If your PCM is unavailable, you will be offered an appointment with another provider on your PCM's team.
• Every effort will be made to provide you with an appointment within the TRICARE Access Standards. If an appointment is unavailable within the TRICARE Access Standard, you can request an appointment be made with a network provider or another MTF provider. For information on the TRICARE Standards, please contact the TRICARE Service Center.
• If your PCM is unable to provide the care or service you need, he/she will give you a referral to the appropriate specialty. Specialty care referrals should be arranged through the TRICARE Service Center. They will contact you once the appointment has been arranged.
• There are some special circumstances when you do not need to go through your PCM to access care. Some examples are mental health, gynecology, optometry, or other preventive health services. Again, please contact the TRICARE Service Center for additional information.
• If you require emergency care and are not able to get to your PCM, please go to the nearest emergency room for treatment. Be sure to contact your PCM within 24 hours after you receive the care. Contact is necessary so we can insure that payment or additional treatment can be arranged or authorized. After hours authorizations can be made by calling the TRICARE Customer Service Line (800) 444-5445. To leave a message for your provider after hours, please call (210) 292-7177.
• If you are away from your PCM and need care that is not an emergency, you must call (800) 444-5445 and get authorization before seeking care in the civilian community. Caution, without prior authorization your claims may be processed according to the Point of Service Option. This means you will have to pay a $300 deductible plus a 50% cost-share based on the maximum allowable charges.
• If you have any questions regarding TRICARE, please go to the Wilford Hall TRICARE Service Center. It is located in Wilford Hall's main building, (building 4450), on the first floor, Room 1E50