Don't be left with the bill: Civilian Urgent Care visits require prior authorization Published May 5, 2014 By By Kathy Canfield, 779th Medical Group Support Squadron and Melanie Moore, 79th Medical Wing JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Visits to civilian urgent care centers and/or medical providers require prior authorization from the military beneficiary's Primary Care Manager or you risk incurring the cost of the visit. "Urgent care is for medical concerns that require treatment within 24 hours but are not life threatening. Examples include migraine headache, urinary tract infection, sprain, earache, rising fever, etc.," said Lt. Col. Martin Valles, Tricare Operations and Patient Administration Flight commander. Beneficiaries with urgent medical concerns after duty hours or while traveling must contact their PCM for authorization before using a civilian provider by calling (240) 857-2333. After recieving an authorization beneficiaries can call Health Net at (877) 874-2273 for assistance in locating a provider. Beneficiaries on Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling are encouraged to use the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center's 24-hour Emergent Care Center for their after-hours urgent care needs. No prior authorization is required to use the ECC. "Our ECC strives to provide the highest quality urgent and emergency medical care for you and your family. By working hand-in-hand with your PCM, we are better able to coordinate follow-up treatment in a timely manner and improve overall continuity of care," said Maj. Clinton Wahl, ECC Flight commander. For urgent care services during duty hours, call the appointment line at (888) 999-1212 for an acute appointment or use the ECC.