Independent guide
Orthopedic injury care and TRICARE
Care for an orthopedic injury can be covered when medically necessary. Prime usually needs a referral.
Last reviewed October 2, 2026 · Confirm time-sensitive details with the official program.
Official decisions come from TRICARE. This guide helps organize public information; verify eligibility, coverage, deadlines, costs, and contacts at TRICARE.mil.
Confirm the referral before the specialist
Care for an orthopedic injury, including surgery, can be covered when it is medically necessary and proven. On TRICARE Prime, specialty care usually starts with a referral from your primary care manager. Select does not use that same referral pattern.
Ask the surgeon’s office which procedure they will file, then ask your contractor whether that service needs authorization.