Medical Group policy enforcement to change in July

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Medical Group is changing policy enforcement: all non-emergency medical services or walk-in clinic visits off base will have to be authorized prior to receiving the services starting July 1.

This change does not affect those individuals who are enrolled in TRICARE For Life or TRICARE Standard. Emergency room visits do not need a referral, however if prior authorization is not obtained for all other medical services, beneficiaries may be responsible for payment of those services.

"This has always been medical group policy," said Lt. Col. Kelly Dorenkott, 436th Medical Group chief of medical staff. "We're pushing enforcement of it now because we have 100 percent provider manning. Before, we were undermanned and it was best for our patients to be able to go off base for care. Now we are staffed and an on-call provider is available any time the medical group is closed."

The on-call provider will advise the caller on their symptoms and condition and suggest the proper course of action. In cases of urgent care, the medical group emphasizes care within 24 hours, which can be the next duty day when the medical group is open. In cases when it is not, the on-call provider can recommend the patient go to the urgent care clinic and set up a referral.

"When our beneficiaries are on leave status out of the local area or are on a Temporary Duty Assignment, they need to call their Primary Care Manager before going to get any urgent care treatment if there is no Medical Treatment Facility available to them," said Colonel Dorenkott. "It is a popular misconception that patients need only call the local MTF to get authorization, but this is not the case, they must call their home station MTF and get authorization from their PCM."

To speak with the on-call provider after hours, patients should call the medical group appointment line at 730 - 4633, and follow the voice commands to speak with a provider.