Find TRICARE Providers: 2026 Directory Guide
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most up-to-date portal access, visit [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil).*
## Quick answer To find care under TRICARE, you must first identify your plan type (Prime or Select) and your region (East or West). Prime users generally need a referral from their Primary Care Manager (PCM), while Select users can visit any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. Use the online provider directories managed by **Humana Military** (East) or **TriWest** (West) to locate doctors in your network.
In detail
Finding the right doctor depends entirely on your TRICARE plan and your geographic location. As of May 2026, the TRICARE network is divided into two primary regions in the United States, managed by separate contractors.
### 1. Identify Your Region and Contractor Your first step in finding care is using the correct regional directory. * **TRICARE East:** Managed by **Humana Military**. This covers the eastern half of the U.S. from Texas to Maine. * **TRICARE West:** Managed by **TriWest Healthcare Alliance** (which assumed operations on Jan 1, 2025). This covers the western half of the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. * **TRICARE Overseas:** Managed by **International SOS**.
### 2. Provider Types: Network vs. Non-Network * **Network Providers:** These doctors have a contract with TRICARE to provide care at a pre-negotiated rate. Choosing network providers results in the lowest out-of-pocket costs. * **Non-Network (Authorized) Providers:** These are providers who do not have a contract but are authorized to see TRICARE patients. * **Participating:** They accept the TRICARE allowable charge as payment in full. * **Non-Participating:** They may charge up to 15% above the TRICARE allowable amount (known as "excess charges"). * **Non-Authorized Providers:** TRICARE will not pay for any care received from these providers.
### 3. Finding Care by Plan Type | Feature | TRICARE Prime | TRICARE Select | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Primary Care** | Assigned a PCM (Military Clinic or Network) | You choose any authorized provider | | **Specialty Care** | **Referral Required** from PCM | No referral required | | **Directory Use** | Must use "Prime" network directory | Can use "Network" or "Non-Network" | | **Point of Service (POS)** | High fees apply if you see a specialist without a referral | No POS fees, but higher deductibles |
### 4. Special Search Tools * **Military Hospitals and Clinics:** Use the "Find a Military Hospital or Clinic" tool on TRICARE.mil to find on-base MTFs. * **Pharmacy:** Managed by **Express Scripts**. Use their "Find a Pharmacy" tool to locate one of the 50,000+ retail pharmacies in the network. * **Dental:** Managed by United Concordia (Active Duty) or the FEDVIP program (Retirees).
## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Must seek care at military hospitals/clinics first; always require a referral for civilian care. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** Can use Prime (managed care) or Select (freedom of choice). * **Retirees and their Families:** Can use Prime (if in a Prime Service Area) or Select. * **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Users:** Functionally similar to TRICARE Select; can see any authorized provider without a referral.
Common scenarios
### Scenario 1: Prime Specialty Care Jane is an ADFM on **TRICARE Prime** in the West Region. To see a dermatologist for a skin rash, she must first visit her Primary Care Manager (PCM). The PCM submits a referral to **TriWest**. Once approved, Jane uses the TriWest directory to find a network dermatologist. Her copay for this specialty visit in 2026 is **$0** because she is an ADFM on Prime.
### Scenario 2: Select Specialist Access Mark is a retired veteran on **TRICARE Select** in the East Region (Group A). He wants to see a cardiologist. He does not need a referral. He searches the **Humana Military** directory for a "Network" cardiologist to save money. He schedules the appointment directly. For this 2026 visit, he will pay a network copay (approximately **$39** after his deductible is met).
### Scenario 3: Emergency Care Sarah is traveling and has a medical emergency. She goes to the nearest Emergency Room. She does not need to "find" a network provider in an emergency, but she (or her family) must notify her regional contractor (Humana or TriWest) within 24 hours or the next business day so they can coordinate follow-up care.
## Related terms * **PCM (Primary Care Manager):** The doctor responsible for your overall care and for coordinating referrals in Prime plans. * **MTF (Military Treatment Facility):** A hospital or clinic located on a military base and operated by the Department of Defense. * **Allowable Charge:** The maximum amount TRICARE will pay for a specific medical service or procedure. * **Network Provider:** A civilian provider who has agreed to TRICARE's payment rates and filing requirements. * **Referral:** An order from your PCM to see a specialist for a specific medical condition.
## Sources * TRICARE.mil Find a Provider: https://www.tricare.mil/findaprovider * Humana Military (East): https://www.humanamilitary.com/ * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West): https://www.triwest.com/ * Express Scripts Pharmacy: https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/find-pharmacy