Primary Care Manager

Your main doctor who coordinates your healthcare.

A Primary Care Manager (PCM) is the main doctor or healthcare provider who manages your overall healthcare and coordinates specialty care. PCMs are required for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries and serve as the central point for all non-emergency medical needs.

PCM responsibilities: • Provide routine and preventive care • Diagnose and treat common illnesses • Manage chronic conditions • Issue referrals to specialists when needed • Coordinate care between providers • Maintain your medical records • Order necessary tests and screenings

Who needs a PCM: • Required: All TRICARE Prime enrollees • Optional: TRICARE Select beneficiaries • Not required: Active duty (though they have assigned providers)

Your PCM can be: • A military provider at an MTF • A civilian network provider • A group practice • A physician assistant or nurse practitioner (in some cases)

Changing your PCM: • TRICARE Prime: Can change annually or for cause • Contact your regional contractor • May need to wait for processing period

Benefits of having a PCM: • Continuity of care with one provider • Better coordination of healthcare needs • Someone familiar with your medical history • Single point of contact for health concerns

TRICARE Prime's PCM model ensures coordinated, comprehensive care while controlling costs through the referral system.