TRICARE Referral Phone Number: How to Get a Referral Fast in Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho
For TRICARE beneficiaries in Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho, the primary contact for referrals is TriWest Healthcare Alliance at 888-TRIWEST (888-874-9378). Active duty service members must obtain a referral from their Primary Care Manager (PCM) for all non-emergency specialty care. TRICARE Prime enrollees can check referral status through the TriWest online portal at tricare.triwest.com.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | TRICARE Prime health coverage (referrals required for specialty care) |
| Eligibility | Active duty, National Guard, Reservists, military families, retirees |
| Application | Contact PCM or TriWest; referrals processed by regional contractor |
| Processing Time | Typically 3–5 business days for routine referrals; urgent referrals processed faster |
| Official Agency | Defense Health Agency (DHA); TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region) |
| Required Forms | No universal form for beneficiaries; PCM submits referral request electronically |
| Updated For | January 2026 (based on current TRICARE West Region contractor transition) |
Understanding TRICARE Referrals: What They Are and Why They Matter
A TRICARE referral is an authorization from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) or regional contractor that allows you to receive specialty care from a TRICARE-authorized provider outside your assigned military treatment facility (MTF). Without a valid referral, you may be responsible for the full cost of care or face point-of-service (POS) fees that significantly increase your out-of-pocket expenses.
For TRICARE Prime enrollees in Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho—all of which fall under the TRICARE West Region—the referral process is managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance, which replaced Health Net Federal Services as the West Region contractor effective January 1, 2025.
Who Needs a TRICARE Referral?
Not every TRICARE beneficiary needs a referral. The requirement depends on your plan, your beneficiary category, and the type of care you need.
Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs)
Active duty service members enrolled in TRICARE Prime must obtain a referral for any non-emergency care that their PCM cannot provide. This includes specialty care and urgent care. If an ADSM receives care without a referral, they may have to pay out of pocket.
Exception: Emergency care does not require a referral. However, you should contact your PCM the next business day after receiving emergency care.
All Other TRICARE Prime Enrollees
For non-active-duty beneficiaries (family members, retirees, etc.) enrolled in TRICARE Prime:
No referral needed for preventive care, urgent care, or most outpatient mental healthcare
Referral required for specialty care and certain diagnostic services
If you receive specialty care without a referral, you will be using the point-of-service option and will pay significantly more out of pocket
TRICARE Select Enrollees
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityTRICARE Select beneficiaries do not need referrals for most care. You can self-refer to any TRICARE-authorized provider. However, you may still need prior authorization for certain services.
TRICARE For Life (TFL)
TRICARE For Life beneficiaries generally do not need referrals for most healthcare services, but may need pre-authorization for certain procedures.
National Guard and Reservists
National Guard and Reserve members covered under TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) have different rules. If you are on active duty orders for more than 30 days, you are treated as an active duty service member and must follow the ADSM referral rules. Otherwise, TRS and TRR function similarly to TRICARE Select.
TRICARE West Region: Your Contractor for AK, WY, HI, UT, and ID
All five states covered in this guide—Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho—are part of the TRICARE West Region, managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance since January 1, 2025.
West Region Contact Information
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 888-TRIWEST (888-874-9378) |
| Website | www.tricare.mil/west |
| Beneficiary Portal | tricare-bene.triwest.com |
| Nurse Advice Line | 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1 |
| Case Management Fax (Northwest Hub: AK, Northern ID) | 1-866-269-5881 |
| Case Management Fax (Mountain Hub: Southern ID, UT) | 1-866-269-5819 |
| Case Management Fax (Central Hub: WY) | 1-866-312-5840 |
| Case Management Fax (Hawaii Hub: HI) | 1-866-269-5814 |
Source: TriWest Case Management Patient Referral Form
How to Get a TRICARE Referral Fast: Step-by-Step
Getting a referral quickly requires understanding the process and knowing where to call when issues arise.
Step 1: Contact Your PCM
Your PCM is the starting point for every referral. Whether your PCM is at a military treatment facility (MTF) or a civilian network provider, they must initiate the referral request.
If you have an MTF PCM: Call your MTF’s appointment line or use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to request a referral.
If you have a civilian PCM: Call your PCM’s office directly and request a referral to a specialist.
Step 2: PCM Submits Referral to TriWest
Your PCM sends the referral request to TriWest Healthcare Alliance, the West Region contractor. TriWest reviews the request and, once processed, sends you a notification in your beneficiary self-service portal.
Step 3: Check Your Referral Status
You can check the status of your referral through the TriWest online portal at tricare-bene.triwest.com. If you are not registered for secure services, you will need to create an account.
Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment
Once your referral is approved, contact the provider listed on your notification letter to schedule your appointment. Referrals have expiration dates—you must schedule and receive care before your referral expires.
Step 5: If You Need Help or Your Referral Is Delayed
If your referral is delayed or you are experiencing high hold times when calling TriWest, you have several options:
Use the TriWest call-back feature — TriWest has implemented a call-back option to reduce hold times
Contact your MTF Referral Management Center (RMC) — If you are near an MTF, the RMC can assist with referrals
Contact your TRICARE Health Benefits Advisor — Located at major MTFs
Use the Availity chat feature — If you have issues submitting your referral through the online portal, you can contact TriWest via chat in Availity
Referral Management Center (RMC) Contacts by State
| State | Facility | RMC Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | USCG Base Kodiak | 1-907-487-5757 |
| Wyoming | F.E. Warren AFB | 307-773-3461, option 6, option 1 |
| Hawaii | Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic | 844-866-9378 (TRICARE West) |
| Utah | Hill AFB, 75th Medical Group | (801) 777-5414 |
| Idaho | (No major MTF; contact TriWest directly) | 888-874-9378 |
TRICARE Referral Phone Numbers: Complete Guide
Primary Referral Contact Numbers
| Contact | Phone Number | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| TriWest Healthcare Alliance | 888-874-9378 | All West Region referrals, authorizations, provider changes |
| TRICARE Nurse Advice Line | 1-800-874-2273, option 1 | Urgent medical questions, after-hours guidance |
| Humana Military (East Region) | 1-800-444-5445 | If you are temporarily in the East Region |
| TRICARE Overseas | Country-specific | If traveling or stationed overseas |
State-Specific TRICARE Contacts
| State | Primary TRICARE Contact | Additional Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | TriWest: 888-874-9378 | USCG Kodiak: 907-487-5757; Bassett-Wainwright Appointment Line: (907) 361-4000 |
| Wyoming | TriWest: 888-874-9378 | F.E. Warren AFB: 307-773-3461 |
| Hawaii | TriWest: 844-866-9378 | Tripler Army Medical Center; Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic |
| Utah | TriWest: 844-866-9378 | Hill AFB RMC: (801) 777-5414 |
| Idaho | TriWest: 844-866-9378 | Idaho Care Line: 2-1-1 |
TRICARE Referral Process: How It Works
The Referral Workflow
You visit your PCM for a condition requiring specialty care
Your PCM determines that you need a referral
PCM submits referral request to TriWest Healthcare Alliance
TriWest reviews the request for medical necessity and network availability
You receive notification via the beneficiary portal
You contact the specialist listed on your referral
Specialist provides care and bills TRICARE
When Referrals Are Not Required
| Service Type | Referral Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency care | No | Contact PCM within 24 hours if seen in civilian facility |
| Urgent care | No (for most Prime enrollees) | Unlimited urgent care visits without referral for CY 2026 |
| Preventive care | No | Annual exams, immunizations, screenings |
| Outpatient mental health | No (for most Prime enrollees) | Some limitations apply |
| Specialty care | Yes | Required for all ADSM and Prime enrollees |
| Diagnostic services | Yes (some) | As described in TRICARE Plans Overview Fact Sheet |
TRICARE Urgent Care: No Referral Needed in 2026
For Plan Year 2026, the number of urgent care visits remains unlimited without referrals for TRICARE Prime enrollees. Beneficiaries may receive urgent care from TRICARE-authorized urgent care centers (UCCs) and convenience clinics (CCs), either network or non-network, without a referral.
Important distinction: Urgent care is not the same as emergency care. Urgent care is for illnesses or injuries that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening. Emergency care is for serious, life-threatening conditions.
Active duty service members enrolled in TRICARE Prime can also receive urgent care without a referral. However, if they need follow-up specialty care, a referral from their PCM is still required.
TRICARE Referral Waiver and Transition Updates
West Region Contractor Transition (2025–2026)
The transition from Health Net Federal Services to TriWest Healthcare Alliance created some temporary disruptions. Several waivers and extensions were implemented to protect beneficiaries:
Referral waiver for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries requiring TriWest authorization for outpatient specialty care was made effective through March 31, 2025
Referrals generated prior to January 1, 2025 through Health Net Federal Services were honored through June 30, 2025, or the expiration date of the authorization, whichever came first
Payment deadline extension for beneficiaries to establish enrollment fee and premium payments with TriWest was extended to February 28, 2025
As of 2026, TriWest has implemented a call-back feature and hired additional customer service representatives to improve the beneficiary experience and reduce hold times.
What This Means for You in 2026
If you are in Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, Utah, or Idaho, your referral process is now fully managed by TriWest. The transition period is over, and standard referral rules apply. However, if you experience any issues with referrals that were initiated during the transition, contact TriWest directly at 888-874-9378.
TRICARE Referral Requirements by Beneficiary Category
| Beneficiary Category | Referral Required for Specialty Care? | Referral Required for Urgent Care? | Referral Required for Emergency Care? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Duty (Prime) | Yes | No | No |
| Active Duty Family (Prime) | Yes | No | No |
| Retirees (Prime) | Yes | No | No |
| Retiree Family (Prime) | Yes | No | No |
| TRICARE Select | No | No | No |
| TRICARE For Life | Generally no | No | No |
| TRS/TRR (not on active orders) | No | No | No |
| National Guard/Reserve on orders | Yes | No | No |
Common Mistakes That Delay TRICARE Referrals
1. Waiting Too Long to Contact Your PCM
Referrals take time to process. If you delay contacting your PCM, your specialty care will be delayed. Contact your PCM as soon as you know you need specialty care.
2. Not Checking Referral Status
Many beneficiaries assume their referral is being processed and wait for a call that never comes. Always check your referral status through the TriWest portal or by calling 888-874-9378.
3. Letting Referrals Expire
Referrals have expiration dates. If your referral expires before you schedule and receive care, you will need a new referral from your PCM. Mark your calendar and schedule your appointment promptly.
4. Seeing a Specialist Without a Referral
If you are a TRICARE Prime enrollee and see a specialist without a referral, you will be using the point-of-service option. You will pay significantly more out of pocket, and the care may not be covered at the TRICARE Prime rate.
5. Not Verifying Provider Network Status
Even with a referral, you should verify that the specialist is a TRICARE-authorized provider in the network. Seeing an out-of-network provider can result in higher costs.
6. Ignoring the Referral Notification
Your referral notification contains critical information: the specialist’s name, the authorized services, the number of visits authorized, and the expiration date. Read it carefully and follow the instructions.
7. Not Contacting TriWest When Issues Arise
If you experience high hold times or issues with the referral process, don’t give up. Use the call-back feature, contact your MTF Referral Management Center, or reach out to a TRICARE Health Benefits Advisor.
TRICARE Referral Processing Times
| Referral Type | Typical Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine specialty referral | 3–5 business days | Standard processing |
| Urgent specialty referral | Less than 48 hours | For ADSMs; TriWest reviews and approves quickly |
| Emergency care | No referral needed | Contact PCM within 24 hours if seen in civilian facility |
| Second opinion | Varies | Request through PCM |
Note: Processing times can vary based on the complexity of the request, network availability, and completeness of information provided by your PCM.
State-by-State TRICARE Referral Guide
Alaska
Region: TRICARE West (TriWest)
Primary Referral Number: 888-874-9378
Key MTFs: Bassett Army Community Hospital (Fort Wainwright), 673rd Medical Group (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson), USCG Base Kodiak
Alaska beneficiaries face unique challenges due to the state’s vast geography and limited specialist availability. For care not available at your MTF, your PCM will submit a referral to TriWest for network care. In remote areas, telehealth options may be available.
Contact: Bassett-Wainwright Appointment Line: (907) 361-4000; USCG Kodiak: 907-487-5757
Wyoming
Region: TRICARE West (TriWest)
Primary Referral Number: 888-874-9378
Key MTF: 90th Medical Group, F.E. Warren Air Force Base
Wyoming beneficiaries typically receive primary care at F.E. Warren AFB or through civilian network providers. Specialty care often requires referrals to providers in Colorado or Utah. The F.E. Warren RMC can assist with referral questions.
Contact: F.E. Warren AFB RMC: 307-773-3461, option 6, option 1
Hawaii
Region: TRICARE West (TriWest)
Primary Referral Number: 844-866-9378
Key MTFs: Tripler Army Medical Center, Naval Health Clinic Hawaii, Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic
Hawaii has a robust military medical infrastructure, but specialist availability can be limited on certain islands. Active duty service members must obtain referrals from their PCM for all services except emergency care. Non-active-duty TRICARE Prime enrollees do not require referrals for urgent care or outpatient behavioral health services.
Contact: Tripler Army Medical Center; Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic via TRICARE West
Utah
Region: TRICARE West (TriWest)
Primary Referral Number: 844-866-9378
Key MTF: Hill Air Force Base, 75th Medical Group
Utah beneficiaries primarily use Hill AFB for primary care, with specialty care typically provided off-base through referrals. The 75th Medical Group’s Referral Management Center is a key resource for assistance.
Contact: Hill AFB RMC: (801) 777-5414
Idaho
Region: TRICARE West (TriWest)
Primary Referral Number: 844-866-9378
Key MTF: None major; beneficiaries use civilian network providers
Idaho has no major military treatment facility, so most beneficiaries receive care through the TRICARE civilian network. Referrals for specialty care are managed through TriWest. The Idaho Care Line (2-1-1) can provide additional community resource information.
TRICARE Referral Required Documents
In most cases, you do not need to submit forms yourself for a referral. Your PCM submits the referral request to TriWest. However, you may need to provide:
Your DOD Benefits Number (found on your military ID)
Your sponsor’s Social Security Number (for some referrals)
Medical records supporting the need for the referral
Provider information if you have a specific specialist you want to see
For case management referrals, healthcare providers submit the TriWest Case Management Patient Referral Form directly to the appropriate hub office.
How to Check Your TRICARE Referral Status Online
The fastest way to check your referral status is through the TriWest beneficiary portal:
Register for a new account or sign in
Select “Beneficiaries”
Select “Account”
Enter the patient’s name and choose a date range that includes your referral
View your referral status and details
If you have trouble accessing the portal, call TriWest at 888-874-9378 for assistance.
TRICARE Referral Appeals Process
If your referral is denied or you disagree with a decision, you have the right to appeal.
Level 1: Reconsideration
Contact TriWest and request a reconsideration. This is an informal review of the decision. Your PCM may need to provide additional clinical information.
Level 2: Formal Appeal
If the reconsideration is denied, you can file a formal appeal. The process varies depending on your TRICARE plan and the type of service.
Level 3: Independent Review
For certain denials, you may be eligible for an independent review by an outside organization.
Key point: Always appeal within the required timeframe. Deadlines vary by plan and situation. Contact TriWest or your TRICARE Health Benefits Advisor for specific deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the TRICARE referral phone number for Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho?
The primary TRICARE referral phone number for all five states is 888-TRIWEST (888-874-9378). These states are all in the TRICARE West Region, managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. For general TRICARE questions, you can also call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.
2. Do I need a referral for urgent care with TRICARE Prime?
No. For Plan Year 2026, TRICARE Prime enrollees have unlimited urgent care visits without a referral. You can receive urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or convenience clinic, whether network or non-network.
3. How long does it take to get a TRICARE referral?
Routine referrals typically process within 3–5 business days. Urgent referrals for active duty service members are processed in less than 48 hours. Processing times can vary based on the complexity of the request and network availability.
4. What happens if I see a specialist without a TRICARE referral?
If you are a TRICARE Prime enrollee and see a specialist without a referral, you will be using the point-of-service option. This means you will pay significantly more out of pocket, and the care may not be covered at the TRICARE Prime rate.
5. Can I choose my own specialist with TRICARE Prime?
With TRICARE Prime, you typically need a referral from your PCM to see a specialist. However, you can request a specific specialist, and your PCM can include that request in the referral. If the specialist is in the TRICARE network, you may be able to see them.
6. How do I check the status of my TRICARE referral?
Sign in to the TriWest beneficiary portal at tricare-bene.triwest.com. If you are not registered, create an account. You can also call TriWest at 888-874-9378 to check your referral status.
7. What if my TRICARE referral expires before I see the specialist?
If your referral expires, you will need a new referral from your PCM. Contact your PCM’s office as soon as possible to request a new referral. Referrals have expiration dates that are listed on your notification letter.
8. Do I need a referral for mental health care with TRICARE Prime?
Most outpatient mental health care does not require a referral for TRICARE Prime enrollees. However, some services may require a referral or prior authorization. Check with TriWest or your PCM for specific requirements.
9. What is the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line?
The TRICARE Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1. A registered nurse can answer your health questions, help you decide if you need urgent care, and provide guidance on where to seek care.
10. What should I do if I’m experiencing high hold times when calling TriWest?
TriWest has implemented a call-back feature to reduce hold times. You can also contact your MTF Referral Management Center for assistance, or use the Availity chat feature if you have issues with the online portal.
11. Can I get a second opinion with TRICARE Prime?
Yes. With TRICARE Prime, you should request a second opinion through your PCM. You have the right to request a second opinion if you have concerns about a diagnosis or treatment option.
12. Do National Guard and Reserve members need TRICARE referrals?
It depends on your orders. If you are on active duty orders for more than 30 days, you are treated as an active duty service member and must follow ADSM referral rules. If you are not on active orders, TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) function similarly to TRICARE Select, which does not require referrals for most care.
13. What is the TRICARE West Region contractor for 2026?
As of January 1, 2025, the TRICARE West Region contractor is TriWest Healthcare Alliance. The East Region contractor is Humana Military.
14. What states are in the TRICARE West Region?
The TRICARE West Region includes Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, Utah, Idaho, and many other states. For a complete list, visit www.tricare.mil/west.
15. How do I find a TRICARE-authorized provider?
You can find TRICARE-authorized providers through the TriWest provider directory at tricare.triwest.com, or by calling TriWest at 888-874-9378. You can also use the “Find a Doctor” tool at www.tricare.mil.
Key Takeaways
TriWest Healthcare Alliance is the TRICARE West Region contractor for Alaska, Wyoming, Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho. Call 888-874-9378 for referrals.
Active duty service members need referrals for all non-emergency specialty care. TRICARE Prime enrollees need referrals for specialty care but not for urgent care.
Urgent care visits are unlimited without referrals for TRICARE Prime enrollees in Plan Year 2026.
Referrals typically process in 3–5 business days. Urgent referrals for ADSMs process in less than 48 hours.
Check your referral status online at tricare-bene.triwest.com or by calling TriWest.
Referrals expire. Schedule your appointment and receive care before the expiration date on your notification.
Seeing a specialist without a referral results in point-of-service fees and higher out-of-pocket costs.
MTF Referral Management Centers can assist with referral issues if you are near a military treatment facility.
The TRICARE Nurse Advice Line (1-800-874-2273, option 1) is available 24/7 for urgent health questions.
Appeal denied referrals through the reconsideration and formal appeal process.
Official Resources
| Resource | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| TRICARE Official Site | www.tricare.mil | 1-800-874-2273 |
| TRICARE West Region | www.tricare.mil/west | 888-874-9378 |
| TriWest Beneficiary Portal | tricare-bene.triwest.com | — |
| TRICARE East Region (Humana Military) | www.humanamilitary.com | 1-800-444-5445 |
| TRICARE Overseas Program | www.tricare-overseas.com | Country-specific |
| MHS GENESIS Patient Portal | www.mhsgenesis.health.mil | — |
| DEERS Support Office | www.tricare.mil/deers | 1-800-538-9552 |
| VA.gov | www.va.gov | 1-800-827-1000 |
| Military OneSource | www.militaryonesource.mil | 1-800-342-9647 |
| Defense Health Agency | www.health.mil | — |
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