Health Info on the Go with New TriWest Mobile Website, App
Delivering Mobile Support to Military Members, Families
PHOENIX (August 23, 2011) — You’re 2,000 miles from home, just about to board a flight. You need to see if your doctor referral was processed and all you have is your smartphone.
Tap… Tap… Scroll… Tap… Got it!
TriWest Healthcare Alliance has launched its mobile website and a mobile application, allowing TRICARE West Region beneficiaries to easily tap and scroll their way to their healthcare information, right from their smartphones and mobile devices.
TriWest manages the Department of Defense’s TRICARE health program for 2.9 million military families in the western United States.
Healthcare Info Goes Wherever You Go
Military families face distinct challenges in their daily lives, routinely managing family moves, household duties and the prospects of a loved one’s deployment.
Providing direct, mobile access to their healthcare information is one way TriWest hopes to reduce some of the burden on military members and families.
“We’re excited to unveil this technology to our customers, because it brings a whole new level of convenience to their busy lives,” said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. “Military families can now manage their health care right from their phone, while they’re traveling or at home with the kids—whenever they want or need to use it.”
Mobile Site
TriWest’s mobile website (m.TriWest.com) allows any beneficiary with a secure TriWest.com account to use their phone to:
Receive real-time status of healthcare authorizations and referrals
Check claims
Pay fees or premiums
Mobile App
TriWest’s mobile app provides added features to smartphone and iPad® users, including:
Compare TRICARE coverage plans
Change plans based on life events, such as birth or adoption
Create an address book for doctors
View guidelines for getting care
The app can be downloaded for iPhone®/iPad and Android™ devices.
Learn more about TriWest mobile capabilities, including text alerts, at TriWest.com/GoMobile.
About TriWest
TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Defense to do "Whatever It Takes" to support the healthcare needs of 2.9 million members of America's military family. A Phoenix-based corporation, TriWest provides access to cost-effective, high-quality health care in the 21-state TRICARE West Region. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit www.triwest.com for more information.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
New model of health care delivery and communications improve patient satisfaction
By Dan Barber, Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
Public Affairs Officer
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
The Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital offers “Medical Home Port” to enrolled patients.
The Medical Home Port model will allow patients enrolled at Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital, to see the same team of providers each time they call or come in for medical appointments. The ultimate goal is to see your personal Primary Care Manager (PCM) as often as possible. However, if they are not available, another provider on the same team will see you.
In addition to providers, the team of healthcare professionals will also be made up of nurses, clerks, and hospital corpsmen that are dedicated to providing their patients with the best possible care. Patients will be able to get to know the rest of the staff as well as they know their provider. According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, Four physician groups… the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians and the American Osteopathic Assn. , believe this method of patient care, known as patient-centered medical homes will provide patients with more access to primary care and allow longer appointments.
Medical Home Ports add continuity of care for patients even when the active duty provider deploys. The combination of both civilian and military team members cultivates stability for the teams and patients when military members are transferred or deployed.
The hospital’s Facilities Management Department is in the process of arranging the clinics spaces so team members will all be co-located.
In addition to assigning patients to one of three teams here, Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms has established ‘Naval Hospital 29 Online’ which is powered as a secure messaging program by Relay Health™ contracted through Navy Medicine. Naval Hospital 29 Online is a secure computer based program which provides a more convenient method of communications with the healthcare teams, allowing patients to securely communicate, via e-mail. Naval Hospital 29 Online allows patients to request their lab results; request a medication refill; access health care information and allows them to create their own health care record to help manage their own care, all from the comfort of home. A feature of this new communications concept that should prove very popular, patients will be able to request appointments through the Naval Hospital 29 Online link on the hospital’s web site. The hospital’s Information Management team has been working on this project to make it easy for everyone to use in a secure forum to protect patient to provider communications.
According to the Executive Officer of the hospital, Capt. Cynthia Gantt, “We hope that ideally by using this method of health care delivery and communications we will increase patient satisfaction with the services they receive here at the hospital, and at the same time increase the efficiency of our clinics to allow providers or other team members to have more time with each patient which should lead to healthier and happier patients.”
Public Affairs Officer
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
The Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital offers “Medical Home Port” to enrolled patients.
The Medical Home Port model will allow patients enrolled at Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital, to see the same team of providers each time they call or come in for medical appointments. The ultimate goal is to see your personal Primary Care Manager (PCM) as often as possible. However, if they are not available, another provider on the same team will see you.
In addition to providers, the team of healthcare professionals will also be made up of nurses, clerks, and hospital corpsmen that are dedicated to providing their patients with the best possible care. Patients will be able to get to know the rest of the staff as well as they know their provider. According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, Four physician groups… the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians and the American Osteopathic Assn. , believe this method of patient care, known as patient-centered medical homes will provide patients with more access to primary care and allow longer appointments.
Medical Home Ports add continuity of care for patients even when the active duty provider deploys. The combination of both civilian and military team members cultivates stability for the teams and patients when military members are transferred or deployed.
The hospital’s Facilities Management Department is in the process of arranging the clinics spaces so team members will all be co-located.
In addition to assigning patients to one of three teams here, Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms has established ‘Naval Hospital 29 Online’ which is powered as a secure messaging program by Relay Health™ contracted through Navy Medicine. Naval Hospital 29 Online is a secure computer based program which provides a more convenient method of communications with the healthcare teams, allowing patients to securely communicate, via e-mail. Naval Hospital 29 Online allows patients to request their lab results; request a medication refill; access health care information and allows them to create their own health care record to help manage their own care, all from the comfort of home. A feature of this new communications concept that should prove very popular, patients will be able to request appointments through the Naval Hospital 29 Online link on the hospital’s web site. The hospital’s Information Management team has been working on this project to make it easy for everyone to use in a secure forum to protect patient to provider communications.
According to the Executive Officer of the hospital, Capt. Cynthia Gantt, “We hope that ideally by using this method of health care delivery and communications we will increase patient satisfaction with the services they receive here at the hospital, and at the same time increase the efficiency of our clinics to allow providers or other team members to have more time with each patient which should lead to healthier and happier patients.”
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Summer Is Here -- Protect Yourself From The Sun
By Martha Hunt, MA CAMF
Health Promotion and Wellness
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
Warning: exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin! At 93 million miles away we sometimes don’t realize how dangerous the sun can be as far as skin damage that can lead to cancer and damage to our eyes that can lead to cataracts.
Each year, approximately one million skin cancers are detected in the US. Reducing your exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can decrease your risk of skin cancer.
Want to know how you can protect your skin and eyes while still having fun outdoors?
Here are some tips to help protect you and your family from the damaging rays of the sun.
Avoiding the sun during the midday hours provides the best defense against skin cancer. However, if you can’t avoid the midday sun, remember that choosing shade, hats, sunscreen, etc can protect your skin.
Use sunscreen everywhere - not just to the pool or beach. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, generously apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply it frequently throughout the day, especially after swimming or exercise. A couple of general tips: avoid sunscreen sprays, pumps and powders because the chemicals in them can be inhaled, and choose products that use the minerals zinc or titanium as their active ingredient because they're the most stable.
Don’t be mislead by the very high SPF numbers found on some sun screens as it can give you a false sense of safety in the sun and causing you to reapply less frequently or stay in the sun for longer periods.
Never put sun screen on babies under six months old as it can be absorbed through their skin!
The best way to protect your baby is to keep them out of the sun completely by keeping them in the shade, wearing hats and baby size sun glasses to protect their delicate eyes.
Read the label before using any sunscreen to be sure there are no toxic chemicals in them such as PABA, retinyl palmitate or oxybenzone as these chemicals have been found to be hazardous. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disrupter (a chemical that can upset the hormone balance in your body) and retinyl palmitate is a form of topical vitamin A that some animal studies suggest may be linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. PABA has also been linked to increasing your risk of skin cancer.
The research group “Environmental Working Group” has compiled a sun screen safety guide that explains which sunscreens have toxic chemicals in them and which sun screens perform the best. That report can be found at http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/.
Here are more tips to help prevent skin cancer. Seek Shade! Whenever possible, avoid the midday sun when UV rays are the strongest and do the most damage. When you’re outdoors, look for trees, beach umbrellas or tents as good sources of shade.
Use Your Head and wear a Hat! Up to 80 percent of skin cancers occur on the head and neck, so wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to shade your face, ears, scalp, and neck from the sun’s rays. A hat with a four-inch brim provides the most protection. If you choose a baseball cap, also use a sun-screen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your exposed ears and neck.
Cover up with clothing! A shirt, beach cover-up, or pants with a tight weave are all good choices for cover. A typical T-shirt usually has an SPF that is much lower than the recommended SPF 15 so you will still need sun screen and shade when possible.
Wear sunglasses! Don’t forget to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses protect the tender skin around your eyes and reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Also, try wrap-around lenses, which keep UV rays from sneaking in at the sides.
Remember that the damage you do to your skin and eyes as a young person never goes away. That tan or sun burn you got as a young person is directly linked to your risk of skin cancer as you get old. Protect yourself now and save yourself the pain of skin cancer later in life.
Health Promotion and Wellness
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
Warning: exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin! At 93 million miles away we sometimes don’t realize how dangerous the sun can be as far as skin damage that can lead to cancer and damage to our eyes that can lead to cataracts.
Each year, approximately one million skin cancers are detected in the US. Reducing your exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can decrease your risk of skin cancer.
Want to know how you can protect your skin and eyes while still having fun outdoors?
Here are some tips to help protect you and your family from the damaging rays of the sun.
Avoiding the sun during the midday hours provides the best defense against skin cancer. However, if you can’t avoid the midday sun, remember that choosing shade, hats, sunscreen, etc can protect your skin.
Use sunscreen everywhere - not just to the pool or beach. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, generously apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply it frequently throughout the day, especially after swimming or exercise. A couple of general tips: avoid sunscreen sprays, pumps and powders because the chemicals in them can be inhaled, and choose products that use the minerals zinc or titanium as their active ingredient because they're the most stable.
Don’t be mislead by the very high SPF numbers found on some sun screens as it can give you a false sense of safety in the sun and causing you to reapply less frequently or stay in the sun for longer periods.
Never put sun screen on babies under six months old as it can be absorbed through their skin!
The best way to protect your baby is to keep them out of the sun completely by keeping them in the shade, wearing hats and baby size sun glasses to protect their delicate eyes.
Read the label before using any sunscreen to be sure there are no toxic chemicals in them such as PABA, retinyl palmitate or oxybenzone as these chemicals have been found to be hazardous. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disrupter (a chemical that can upset the hormone balance in your body) and retinyl palmitate is a form of topical vitamin A that some animal studies suggest may be linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. PABA has also been linked to increasing your risk of skin cancer.
The research group “Environmental Working Group” has compiled a sun screen safety guide that explains which sunscreens have toxic chemicals in them and which sun screens perform the best. That report can be found at http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/.
Here are more tips to help prevent skin cancer. Seek Shade! Whenever possible, avoid the midday sun when UV rays are the strongest and do the most damage. When you’re outdoors, look for trees, beach umbrellas or tents as good sources of shade.
Use Your Head and wear a Hat! Up to 80 percent of skin cancers occur on the head and neck, so wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to shade your face, ears, scalp, and neck from the sun’s rays. A hat with a four-inch brim provides the most protection. If you choose a baseball cap, also use a sun-screen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your exposed ears and neck.
Cover up with clothing! A shirt, beach cover-up, or pants with a tight weave are all good choices for cover. A typical T-shirt usually has an SPF that is much lower than the recommended SPF 15 so you will still need sun screen and shade when possible.
Wear sunglasses! Don’t forget to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses protect the tender skin around your eyes and reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Also, try wrap-around lenses, which keep UV rays from sneaking in at the sides.
Remember that the damage you do to your skin and eyes as a young person never goes away. That tan or sun burn you got as a young person is directly linked to your risk of skin cancer as you get old. Protect yourself now and save yourself the pain of skin cancer later in life.
Friday, May 27, 2011
June is Men's Health Month
By Martha Hunt, MA CAMF
Health Promotion and Wellness
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”
Congressman Bill Richardson (Congressional Record, H3905-H3906, May 24, 1994). This statement and resulting legislation led to the beginning of Men’s Health Awareness. There is a silent crisis in men’s health due to a lack of awareness, poor health education, and culturally induced behavior patterns in men’s work and personal lives.
As a result, men are not seeking and getting the preventive health care that they need.
As a consequence of this, men are living approximately five years less than women. Improving men's health is not limited to the doctor's office or hospital - it starts at home with men taking steps to live safer and healthier lives.
In fact, the leading causes of death for men in the United States are – in order - diseases of the heart, cancer, accidents (unintentional injuries), chronic lower respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, intentional self-harm (suicide), influenza and pneumonia, kidney diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Learn your family health history. Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your close blood relatives since your last visit to your primary care provider? If so, let your doctor or nurse know. Family history might influence your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer.
Know and understand your numbers. You may know your favorite team's stats, but what about your own health numbers? Keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI). These numbers can provide a glimpse of your health status and risk for certain diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more.
Work safely. An estimated 11,500 workers have a nonfatal work-related injury or illness every day in the US and as a result, more than half require a job transfer, work restrictions, or time away from their jobs. Get check-ups. Just because you may feel fine, that doesn't mean you don't need your annual check-ups! Unfortunately, there are certain diseases and conditions that are silent and may not have symptoms.
See your doctor or nurse for regular check-ups, and go more often if needed.
Get Vaccinated. Some adults assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. Immunity can begin to fade over time and as we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (e.g., flu, pneumococcus). Far too many adults become ill, are disabled, and die each year from diseases that could easily have been prevented by vaccines.
Pay attention to signs and symptoms such as any discharge, excessive thirst, rash or sore on the skin, problems with urination or shortness of breath as these are only a few of the symptoms that males should pay attention to and see a doctor about if they occur. It could be a symptom for a sexually transmitted disease, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or other conditions or diseases. If you have symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away.
Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Moreover, insufficient sleep is responsible for motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents, causing injury and disability each year. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous - and preventable - as driving while intoxicated. Adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep per night according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Gear up properly. When playing active sports or riding a motorcycle or bike, make sure you and your family wear protective gear, such as helmets, eye protection, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads. Also, wear seat belts as a driver and a passenger each and every time you are in a vehicle.
Eat what counts. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol and choose healthy snacks.
Get physical activity. Be active for at least two and a half hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. You don’t have to do it all at once. Spread your activity out during the week, and break it into smaller chunks of time during the day.
Be tobacco-free. Avoid all forms of tobacco and secondhand smoke. Inhaling other people’s smoke causes health problems similar to those of smokers. There is NO safe form of tobacco. Tobacco use is the leading detractor of combat fitness. Call Health Promotion and Wellness at 760-830-2814 if you are interested in quitting tobacco.
For more information on men’s health go to Men’s check list for health http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/healthymen.htm or Get dad to the doc http://www.dadtothedoc.org/.
Health Promotion and Wellness
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”
Congressman Bill Richardson (Congressional Record, H3905-H3906, May 24, 1994). This statement and resulting legislation led to the beginning of Men’s Health Awareness. There is a silent crisis in men’s health due to a lack of awareness, poor health education, and culturally induced behavior patterns in men’s work and personal lives.
As a result, men are not seeking and getting the preventive health care that they need.
As a consequence of this, men are living approximately five years less than women. Improving men's health is not limited to the doctor's office or hospital - it starts at home with men taking steps to live safer and healthier lives.
In fact, the leading causes of death for men in the United States are – in order - diseases of the heart, cancer, accidents (unintentional injuries), chronic lower respiratory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, intentional self-harm (suicide), influenza and pneumonia, kidney diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Learn your family health history. Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your close blood relatives since your last visit to your primary care provider? If so, let your doctor or nurse know. Family history might influence your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer.
Know and understand your numbers. You may know your favorite team's stats, but what about your own health numbers? Keep track of your numbers for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI). These numbers can provide a glimpse of your health status and risk for certain diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more.
Work safely. An estimated 11,500 workers have a nonfatal work-related injury or illness every day in the US and as a result, more than half require a job transfer, work restrictions, or time away from their jobs. Get check-ups. Just because you may feel fine, that doesn't mean you don't need your annual check-ups! Unfortunately, there are certain diseases and conditions that are silent and may not have symptoms.
See your doctor or nurse for regular check-ups, and go more often if needed.
Get Vaccinated. Some adults assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. Immunity can begin to fade over time and as we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections (e.g., flu, pneumococcus). Far too many adults become ill, are disabled, and die each year from diseases that could easily have been prevented by vaccines.
Pay attention to signs and symptoms such as any discharge, excessive thirst, rash or sore on the skin, problems with urination or shortness of breath as these are only a few of the symptoms that males should pay attention to and see a doctor about if they occur. It could be a symptom for a sexually transmitted disease, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or other conditions or diseases. If you have symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away.
Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Moreover, insufficient sleep is responsible for motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents, causing injury and disability each year. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous - and preventable - as driving while intoxicated. Adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep per night according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Gear up properly. When playing active sports or riding a motorcycle or bike, make sure you and your family wear protective gear, such as helmets, eye protection, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads. Also, wear seat belts as a driver and a passenger each and every time you are in a vehicle.
Eat what counts. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol and choose healthy snacks.
Get physical activity. Be active for at least two and a half hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles. You don’t have to do it all at once. Spread your activity out during the week, and break it into smaller chunks of time during the day.
Be tobacco-free. Avoid all forms of tobacco and secondhand smoke. Inhaling other people’s smoke causes health problems similar to those of smokers. There is NO safe form of tobacco. Tobacco use is the leading detractor of combat fitness. Call Health Promotion and Wellness at 760-830-2814 if you are interested in quitting tobacco.
For more information on men’s health go to Men’s check list for health http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/healthymen.htm or Get dad to the doc http://www.dadtothedoc.org/.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Military Spouse Appreciation
As the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms Commanding Officer, I would like to take the time to acknowledge that in many ways, our military spouses have really carried the load for our Sailors.
Without asking for support or recognition, you have carried out your duties to your family and country with the quiet courage and strength that has always exemplified the American spirit.
When your Sailor was asked to report to this remote location, you supported them and even proceeded to blossom in this desert environment. When your Sailor was deployed, your entire family was called to serve. I know that readiness of your Sailor depended on the readiness of you, the military spouse, your children, and loved ones’ sacrifice as well.
I am convinced that your military spouse knows that without your support, they could not effectively do their job. Non-military spouses will never know the challenge you face that any moment, your spouse may be called upon by the government to report for duty and leave you and your family behind to assist with a crisis somewhere in the world, while you are left to keep home life “normal” for everyone.
I warmly express my deep appreciation for your support of your Sailor.
Sincerely,
CAPT Ann Bobeck
Commanding Officer
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
Without asking for support or recognition, you have carried out your duties to your family and country with the quiet courage and strength that has always exemplified the American spirit.
When your Sailor was asked to report to this remote location, you supported them and even proceeded to blossom in this desert environment. When your Sailor was deployed, your entire family was called to serve. I know that readiness of your Sailor depended on the readiness of you, the military spouse, your children, and loved ones’ sacrifice as well.
I am convinced that your military spouse knows that without your support, they could not effectively do their job. Non-military spouses will never know the challenge you face that any moment, your spouse may be called upon by the government to report for duty and leave you and your family behind to assist with a crisis somewhere in the world, while you are left to keep home life “normal” for everyone.
I warmly express my deep appreciation for your support of your Sailor.
Sincerely,
CAPT Ann Bobeck
Commanding Officer
Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital
Monday, May 9, 2011
Stay TRICARE Eligible: Keep DEERS Up-To-Date
By Sharon Foster
TRICARE Management Activity
March 08, 2011
Beneficiaries who have recently experienced a life changing event, such as the birth or adoption of a child, recent divorce or marriage should immediately record these changes in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
If they wait, their TRICARE benefit coverage could be affected. “Life comes at you fast and beneficiaries should not wait to update DEERS when they experience any life event that changes their TRICARE status,” said John Arendale, chief, Purchased Care Systems Integration Branch, TRICARE Management Activity. “What beneficiaries don’t want to experience is a lapse in TRICARE coverage because their DEERS eligibility information is incorrect.”
Incorrect information can potentially impact a beneficiary’s ability to get a prescription filled, get a medical claim paid or make an appointment to see a doctor. Beneficiaries can easily avoid these types of problems by making sure their DEERS record is accurate.
DEERS is the worldwide, computerized database designed to maintain timely and accurate information on service members and dependents that are eligible for military benefits and entitlements, including TRICARE. It is also used to detect and prevent fraud and abuse. All sponsors are automatically registered in DEERS.
The sponsor must register all eligible family members. Once the registration process is complete, the family members can update their personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers. Events that change a beneficiary’s TRICARE status include: relocation, retirement, change of address, change in marital status, birth, death, adoption or Medicare entitlement.
A beneficiary can register eligible new family members in DEERS at the nearest military personnel office or uniformed services identification (ID) card issuing office. To find an office near them, they can go to the Rapids Site Locator website, www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home. Beneficiaries can call to update contact information only at 1-800-538-9552.
Note: At the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, the DEERS office is located in the Village Center, bldg. 1551.
To register a child in DEERS, bring the following forms:
• An original or certified-copy of the birth certificate or certificate of live birth (signed by the attending physician or other responsible person from a U.S. hospital or military treatment facility) or consular report of birth (FS-240) for children overseas;
• A record of adoption or a letter of placement of the child into the home by a recognized placement/adoption agency or the court before the final adoption; and
• A DD form 1172 signed by the sponsor and verifying official from a uniformed services ID card-issuing facility.
Get more information on DEERS eligibility at www.tricare.osd.mil/deers/default.cfm. “Updating information in DEERS is the key to maintaining eligibility for TRICARE and other military benefits,” Arendale said.
TRICARE Management Activity
March 08, 2011
Beneficiaries who have recently experienced a life changing event, such as the birth or adoption of a child, recent divorce or marriage should immediately record these changes in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
If they wait, their TRICARE benefit coverage could be affected. “Life comes at you fast and beneficiaries should not wait to update DEERS when they experience any life event that changes their TRICARE status,” said John Arendale, chief, Purchased Care Systems Integration Branch, TRICARE Management Activity. “What beneficiaries don’t want to experience is a lapse in TRICARE coverage because their DEERS eligibility information is incorrect.”
Incorrect information can potentially impact a beneficiary’s ability to get a prescription filled, get a medical claim paid or make an appointment to see a doctor. Beneficiaries can easily avoid these types of problems by making sure their DEERS record is accurate.
DEERS is the worldwide, computerized database designed to maintain timely and accurate information on service members and dependents that are eligible for military benefits and entitlements, including TRICARE. It is also used to detect and prevent fraud and abuse. All sponsors are automatically registered in DEERS.
The sponsor must register all eligible family members. Once the registration process is complete, the family members can update their personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers. Events that change a beneficiary’s TRICARE status include: relocation, retirement, change of address, change in marital status, birth, death, adoption or Medicare entitlement.
A beneficiary can register eligible new family members in DEERS at the nearest military personnel office or uniformed services identification (ID) card issuing office. To find an office near them, they can go to the Rapids Site Locator website, www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/owa/home. Beneficiaries can call to update contact information only at 1-800-538-9552.
Note: At the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, the DEERS office is located in the Village Center, bldg. 1551.
To register a child in DEERS, bring the following forms:
• An original or certified-copy of the birth certificate or certificate of live birth (signed by the attending physician or other responsible person from a U.S. hospital or military treatment facility) or consular report of birth (FS-240) for children overseas;
• A record of adoption or a letter of placement of the child into the home by a recognized placement/adoption agency or the court before the final adoption; and
• A DD form 1172 signed by the sponsor and verifying official from a uniformed services ID card-issuing facility.
Get more information on DEERS eligibility at www.tricare.osd.mil/deers/default.cfm. “Updating information in DEERS is the key to maintaining eligibility for TRICARE and other military benefits,” Arendale said.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
25th Annual Ridge Run 2011 set for May 6
25th Annual Ridge Run 2011 set for May 6
This annual MWR fund-raiser which is hosted by the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital will take place on Friday, May 6 with registration starting at 6 a.m. The event offers a modest 5k course, as well as a rugged and challenging 8k course. The 8k course will take runners over, around, and through the ridges and peaks that serve as a backdrop for the Naval Hospital. Squads and individuals are welcome to register for either of the courses. This event is open to all.
For information or registration forms contact one of the following:
- HMC Tennison ( 2nd floor-Staff Education) 830-2526
- HMC Wheeler (3rd floor-Career Counselor) 830-2838
- HM2 Gacayan (1st floor-Preventive Medicine) 830-2002
- LTJG Lawson (2nd floor-Tricare Operations) 830-2401
Registration forms must be submitted with payment to one of the above contacts.
Cash or checks ONLY. Please make checks payable to: Naval Hospital MWR Committee
Cash or checks ONLY. Please make checks payable to: Naval Hospital MWR Committee
This annual MWR fund-raiser which is hosted by the Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital will take place on Friday, May 6 with registration starting at 6 a.m. The event offers a modest 5k course, as well as a rugged and challenging 8k course. The 8k course will take runners over, around, and through the ridges and peaks that serve as a backdrop for the Naval Hospital. Squads and individuals are welcome to register for either of the courses. This event is open to all.
For information or registration forms contact one of the following:
- HMC Tennison ( 2nd floor-Staff Education) 830-2526
- HMC Wheeler (3rd floor-Career Counselor) 830-2838
- HM2 Gacayan (1st floor-Preventive Medicine) 830-2002
- LTJG Lawson (2nd floor-Tricare Operations) 830-2401
Registration forms must be submitted with payment to one of the above contacts.
Cash or checks ONLY. Please make checks payable to: Naval Hospital MWR Committee
Cash or checks ONLY. Please make checks payable to: Naval Hospital MWR Committee
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