Make your military health benefit work for you: Getting Care Published Sept. 21, 2007 By TRICARE Area Office Europe Public Affairs SEMBACH AIR BASE, Germany -- All this month, we're providing information for those new to the European theater or who have recently had a change in their family--such as a move or a new baby--about keeping their military health benefit up to date. So far, we've discussed: - Step 1: Verify Eligibility by ensuring your DEERS information is updated (see www.tricare.osd.mil/DEERS for details). - Step 2: Check Your Coverage by contacting your local TRICARE Service Center (see www.europe.tricare.osd.mil and click "TRICARE Service Centers"). Step 3: Know How to Get Care If you are enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you have a Primary Care Manager (PCM) who will provide your routine care and oversee any specialty care. To make an appointment with your PCM, call the 39 Medical Group appointment line at 676-6173/74. Using Host Nation Providers If you are covered under TRICARE Standard, you can use military medical facilities on a space-available basis or see a host-nation provider of your choice. TRICARE Prime enrollees may sometimes be referred to host-nation providers for specific services. In either case, it is strongly recommended that you use the TRICARE Preferred Provider Network (PPN). PPN providers are carefully screened and their performance is monitored by military providers. They are used to working with TRICARE, are required to speak English and will often file claims on your behalf. You can locate a PPN provider online at www.europe.tricare.osd.mil/ppn. Emergency Care If you have an emergency, get care immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room. - On Base Emergency: Call 911 - Off Base Emergency: Call 112 - Nearest Emergency Room: 0-322-459-2222, Universale Hospital As soon as possible after getting care at a host-nation facility, contact your local TRICARE Service Center. When You Travel If you have an emergency while traveling, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room--you do not need approval for care. Be aware, though, that you may have to pay for care up front and file a claim with TRICARE for reimbursement. Be sure to contact your TRICARE Service Center as soon as possible after receiving care. There are special rules for non-emergent care when traveling, so contact your local TRICARE Service Center for important information before you go.