Telehealth

Telehealth refers to healthcare services delivered remotely using video conferencing, phone calls, or other digital communication technologies. TRICARE covers telehealth services, allowing beneficiaries to receive medical care from their home or other convenient locations without visiting a provider's office in person.

Telehealth services covered by TRICARE: • Primary care consultations • Mental health and behavioral health sessions • Follow-up appointments • Chronic disease management • Medication management • Some specialty care consultations • Urgent care for non-emergency conditions

Benefits of telehealth: • Convenient access from home or any location • Reduced travel time and costs • Shorter wait times for appointments • Especially valuable for rural or remote beneficiaries • Expanded access to specialists • Continuity of care during PCS moves or deployments

TRICARE telehealth requirements: • Must use TRICARE-authorized providers • Cost-sharing is generally the same as in-person visits • Some services may not be appropriate for telehealth • Provider must be licensed in the state where the patient is located • Both audio-visual and audio-only options available for many services

Telehealth has become an integral part of TRICARE healthcare delivery, providing flexible access to care while maintaining the quality and standards of in-person services.