Velocity Care addresses your need for medical attention for non-emergency illnesses or injuries that require prompt action. This type of care ensures you receive treatment within 24 hours, ideally within a short travel distance, usually no more than 30 minutes. Velocity care is essential for conditions that, while not immediately life-threatening, need timely attention to prevent them from becoming serious health risks.
Velocity care is typically appropriate for situations such as a high fever or a sprained ankle. It bridges the gap between routine doctor visits and emergency room care, providing efficient and effective medical attention when you need it most.
MHS Nurse Advice Line: Your Velocity Care Support System
When faced with an after-hours medical concern or uncertainty about the urgency of your condition, the MHS Nurse Advice Line stands ready 24/7 to provide velocity care guidance. By calling 800-TRICARE (874-2273) and selecting option 1, you connect with a registered nurse who can deliver immediate support:
- Address your velocity care inquiries, offering clarity and direction.
- Furnish expert health advice, empowering you to make informed decisions.
- Assist in locating a doctor, streamlining your access to care.
- Arrange next-day appointments at military hospitals and clinics, ensuring timely follow-up when needed.
Who Can Benefit from the MHS Nurse Advice Line for Velocity Care?
The MHS Nurse Advice Line is a valuable velocity care resource for all TRICARE beneficiaries within the U.S., excluding those enrolled in the US Family Health Plan.
For beneficiaries residing overseas, the MHS Nurse Advice Line remains accessible for health advice while traveling in the U.S. However, it’s crucial to coordinate ongoing care with your designated Overseas Regional Call Center for seamless velocity care management.
Accessing Velocity Care in the U.S.: A Plan-Based Guide
TRICARE Prime Plans: Your Pathway to Velocity Care
TRICARE Prime plans, encompassing TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, TRICARE Prime Overseas, TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas, and TRICARE Young Adult-Prime (excluding the U.S. Family Health Plan), offer structured access to velocity care.
| If you are… | To get velocity care… |
|---|---|
| An active duty service member within a TRICARE Prime Service Area¹ | Prioritize seeking care at a military hospital or clinic whenever feasible. Alternatively, contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line for immediate assistance and guidance on accessing velocity care. |
| An active duty service member enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote | You have the flexibility to obtain velocity care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or provider within the network. |
| An active duty family member | No referral is necessary to access velocity care services. |
| A retiree or retiree family member | Velocity care is readily accessible through any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider.¹ |
¹ Family members and retirees opting for velocity care from a non-network provider outside a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center will be subject to point-of-service option cost-shares.
US Family Health Plan: Velocity Care Access
For those enrolled in the US Family Health Plan, accessing velocity care requires consulting your designated provider’s website. This resource will outline the specific procedures and locations for obtaining velocity care under your plan.
TRICARE Select and All Other TRICARE Plans: Velocity Care Options
| If you are… | To get velocity care… |
|---|---|
| An active duty family member | Accessing velocity care does not require a referral. |
| A retiree or retiree family member | Seek velocity care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider. Network or non-network copayments or cost-shares will apply, varying based on the provider type. |
Velocity Care When Living or Traveling Overseas
| If you are enrolled in… | To get velocity care… |
|---|---|
| A TRICARE plan stateside | No referral is needed for velocity care while traveling overseas, ensuring seamless access to timely medical attention. |
| A TRICARE overseas plan | Overseas: Referrals are not required for velocity care. However, to ensure a smooth, cashless, and claimless experience, pre-authorization from the TRICARE overseas contractor is recommended. Without pre-authorization, upfront payment to the provider and subsequent claim filing for reimbursement may be necessary. Stateside while traveling: Velocity care is accessible without a referral from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider.², ³ |
² TRICARE Prime plan enrollees who seek velocity care from a non-network provider outside of a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center will incur point-of-service option cost-shares.
³ Active duty service members must coordinate with their PCM for follow-up when receiving care outside a military hospital or clinic, adhering to DOD and service regulations.
Disclaimer:
This overview of covered services is not exhaustive. TRICARE coverage is contingent upon services being medically necessary, defined as appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition and considered proven. Specific rules, limitations, and exclusions may apply to certain services.
Prioritize Calling Ahead for Velocity Care Walk-in Availability
If the Nurse Advice Line directs you to a velocity care clinic, it is advisable to verify walk-in availability with the clinic beforehand. This proactive step can save time and ensure you receive prompt velocity care when you arrive.
Last Updated: 11/20/2024
