Provider Search Tools by Region
How to Find a Provider: Step by Step
Know Your Region
Determine if you're in TRICARE East or West. This determines which contractor's provider search tool to use. Check our regional pages if you're not sure.
Use the Right Search Tool
Go to your regional contractor's website and use their provider search. Enter your location, the type of provider you need, and any specialty requirements.
Filter for Network Providers
Always filter for "TRICARE-authorized" or "in-network" providers. This ensures lower costs. Verify the provider accepts your specific TRICARE plan (Prime or Select).
Check if Accepting New Patients
Not all listed providers are accepting new TRICARE patients. Call the office to confirm before scheduling. Ask specifically about TRICARE acceptance.
Get a Referral if Needed (Prime)
If you have TRICARE Prime and need a specialist, your PCM must provide a referral first. TRICARE Select beneficiaries can self-refer to any TRICARE-authorized provider.
Types of Providers
Primary Care Manager (PCM)
Your main doctor who coordinates all your care. Required for TRICARE Prime. Can be at an MTF or civilian clinic.
Specialist
Doctors with advanced training in specific areas (cardiology, orthopedics, etc.). Prime requires a referral; Select does not.
Mental Health Provider
Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers. No referral needed for the first 8 outpatient sessions per year.
Urgent Care Center
For non-emergency urgent needs. No referral required. Look for TRICARE-authorized urgent care centers.
Dentist
For TDP dental coverage, search through United Concordia's network at uccitdp.com. Using network dentists saves money.
Pharmacy
MTF pharmacies are free. For retail, use Express Scripts' pharmacy locator to find network pharmacies near you.
Common Questions
What if there are no network providers near me?
Contact your regional contractor (Humana Military or Health Net Federal Services). They can help locate providers, or in some cases, authorize you to see a non-network provider at network rates through a "non-availability statement."
Can I see any doctor with TRICARE?
With TRICARE Select, you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. With TRICARE Prime, you need a referral from your PCM for specialists. In both cases, using network providers saves you money.
How do I change my Primary Care Manager?
Contact your regional contractor by phone or through their online portal. You can change your PCM at any time. Choose between an MTF provider or a civilian network provider.
Do I need a referral for mental health?
For the first 8 outpatient mental health visits per year, no referral is needed, even for TRICARE Prime. After 8 visits, Prime beneficiaries will need a referral from their PCM to continue.
What's the difference between network and non-network?
Network providers have agreements with TRICARE to accept set rates and file claims for you. Non-network providers may charge more, and you may need to pay upfront and file your own claim. Always choose network when possible.