Urgent Care

Urgent care provides medical treatment for conditions that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening emergencies. TRICARE covers urgent care services, providing beneficiaries with access to timely care when their primary care provider is unavailable.

When to use urgent care: • Minor fractures and sprains • Cuts requiring stitches • Minor burns • Fever or flu symptoms • Ear infections • Urinary tract infections • Allergic reactions (non-severe) • Minor injuries and accidents

Urgent care vs. emergency care: • Urgent care: Non-life-threatening conditions needing prompt treatment • Emergency care: Life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention • Using urgent care for non-emergencies can save significant costs

TRICARE urgent care costs: • TRICARE Prime: Copay per visit (generally lower than ER copay) • TRICARE Select: Cost-share after deductible • No prior authorization or referral needed for urgent care • Available at urgent care centers, MTFs, and some retail clinics

Accessing urgent care: • Use TRICARE network urgent care centers for lower costs • Call the Nurse Advice Line for guidance on appropriate care level • Notify your PCM within 24 hours of receiving urgent care • Keep documentation for your records

Using urgent care appropriately instead of the emergency room can save you money and help ensure emergency departments are available for true emergencies.