TRICARE West Provider Search in South Dakota: Step-by-Step Guide to Find a Doctor
To find a TRICARE West provider in South Dakota, visit tricare.mil/west and select “Find a Doctor.” Enter your ZIP code, choose your TRICARE plan, and browse network providers by name, specialty, or facility. TRICARE Prime enrollees need a referral from their primary care manager for most specialty care; TRICARE Select beneficiaries do not.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | TRICARE health coverage for active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retirees, and families |
| Eligibility | Active duty service members, active duty family members, National Guard/Reserve members and families, military retirees and families, survivors, certain former spouses |
| Application | Enroll via milConnect (BWE), by phone, or through your regional contractor |
| Processing Time | Enrollment typically processed within 5-10 business days |
| Official Agency | Defense Health Agency (DHA) |
| West Region Contractor | TriWest Healthcare Alliance |
| Required Forms | DD Form 2876 (TRICARE Prime enrollment), DD Form 2877 (TRICARE Select enrollment) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is TRICARE West?
TRICARE West is the regional health care program administered by TriWest Healthcare Alliance for eligible military beneficiaries living in 26 states, including South Dakota. It replaced the previous Health Net Federal Services contract on January 1, 2025.
TRICARE is the uniformed services health care program for active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, survivors, and certain former spouses. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) oversees the program, which is divided into two domestic regions: East and West.
South Dakota is part of the TRICARE West Region. The regional contractor is TriWest Healthcare Alliance, which manages the provider network, claims processing, and customer service for beneficiaries in the state.
Why it matters: If you live in South Dakota and use TRICARE, your provider search, referrals, and claims all go through TriWest, not Humana Military (which handles the East Region). Knowing this prevents confusion and ensures you’re using the correct directory.
What to do next: Verify your TRICARE region by entering your ZIP code at tricare.mil/regions. If you’re in South Dakota, you’re in the West Region.
How to Find a TRICARE West Provider in South Dakota: Step-by-Step
You can find a TRICARE West provider in South Dakota using the online provider directory at tricare.mil/west or by calling TriWest at 888-TRIWEST (874-9378). The directory lets you search by provider name, specialty, location, or facility type.
Step 1: Access the Provider Directory
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityNavigate to tricare.mil/west and select “Find a Doctor” from the right-hand menu. The provider directory will open. You can also access it directly through the TriWest beneficiary website at tricare.triwest.com.
Step 2: Enter Your Location
Select “Choose a location and plan.” Enter your address, city, or ZIP code in the text field. Confirm the address is correct by selecting “Yes, this is correct.” The directory searches within approximately 150 miles of your specified location.
Step 3: Select Your TRICARE Plan
Choose your TRICARE plan from the available options. This step is critical because the directory only shows providers that match your specific plan. If you select the wrong plan, you’ll see providers who may not be in your network.
Available plans include:
TRICARE Prime
TRICARE Select
TRICARE Reserve Select
TRICARE Retired Reserve
TRICARE Young Adult
Step 4: Search for Providers
The directory offers four search categories:
Doctors by name: Enter a provider’s name to find their profile.
Doctors by specialty: Search for a specialty, such as “family medicine” or “cardiology.” You can also search by body part (e.g., “eyes,” “heart”).
Places by name: Search for a specific hospital or clinic.
Places by type: Search for facility types, such as urgent care centers or military treatment facilities.
Step 5: Review Provider Profiles
Each provider profile shows:
Name, specialty, and sub-specialty
Gender
Practice address and contact information
Whether they are accepting new patients
Whether they are a network or non-network provider
Special designations, such as High Performing Provider (HPP)
Providers with special designations appear higher in search results.
Step 6: Confirm Network Status and Book an Appointment
Before booking, confirm the provider is in your TRICARE network. Network providers have agreed to accept TRICARE’s allowable charges and won’t bill you above those rates for covered services. Some providers in the directory may be TRICARE-authorized but not network providers—you can see them, but you’ll pay more and may have to file your own claims.
Military Treatment Facilities in South Dakota
South Dakota has one major military treatment facility: the 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City. This facility provides primary care, specialty care, and ancillary services to active duty service members, their families, and eligible retirees.
Contact information:
Address: 2900 Doolittle Drive, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
Phone: 605-385-6700
Refill Line: 605-674-7787
TRICARE Prime enrollees who live near Ellsworth AFB may be assigned to the 28th Medical Group as their primary care manager. If you’re enrolled in TRICARE Prime and live within the facility’s service area, you’ll typically receive most routine care there.
South Dakota also has VA Black Hills Healthcare System in Hot Springs, which serves veterans separately from TRICARE. TRICARE beneficiaries do not use VA facilities for TRICARE-covered care unless specifically authorized.
To locate military hospitals and clinics in the West Region, use the MTF Locator at tricare.mil/mtf.
TRICARE Prime vs. TRICARE Select in South Dakota
The type of TRICARE plan you have determines how you find providers, whether you need referrals, and what you pay out of pocket. Here’s how the two main plans compare for South Dakota beneficiaries.
| Feature | TRICARE Prime | TRICARE Select |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Managed care (HMO-style) | Self-managed preferred provider |
| Primary Care Manager | Required | Not required |
| Referrals for Specialty Care | Required for most services | Not required |
| Network Providers | Lower out-of-pocket costs | Lower out-of-pocket costs when using network |
| Non-Network Providers | Not covered without referral (except emergencies) | Covered at higher cost |
| Enrollment Fee | Yes (varies by category) | Yes (varies by category) |
| Availability in South Dakota | Available in Prime Service Areas | Available statewide |
| Best For | Those who want coordinated care and lower costs | Those who want flexibility to see any TRICARE-authorized provider |
TRICARE Prime works like an HMO. You’re assigned a primary care manager (PCM)—either at Ellsworth AFB’s 28th Medical Group or a civilian network provider. Your PCM manages your care and must refer you to specialists for most non-emergency services. This keeps costs low but limits flexibility.
TRICARE Select is a fee-for-service plan. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider, but you pay less when you use network providers. You don’t need referrals to see specialists, but you’ll pay higher cost-shares than Prime enrollees.
Key difference for South Dakota: If you live in a rural area far from Ellsworth AFB, TRICARE Select may be more practical because it gives you direct access to any TRICARE-authorized provider without needing a PCM referral. TRICARE Prime is only available in Prime Service Areas, which may not cover all parts of South Dakota.
Referrals and Authorizations: What South Dakota Beneficiaries Need to Know
TRICARE Prime enrollees in South Dakota need a referral from their primary care manager (PCM) before seeing a specialist for most non-emergency care. TRICARE Select beneficiaries do not need referrals for specialty care.
When Referrals Are Required
If you’re enrolled in TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, or TRICARE Young Adult Prime, your PCM must refer you for:
Specialty care visits
Non-emergency inpatient care
Certain diagnostic procedures
Mental health care beyond the initial outpatient visits
The referral must come from your PCM, and you must see a network provider. If you see a specialist without a referral, you may be responsible for the full cost of care.
When Referrals Are Not Required
Emergency care: No referral or authorization is ever required for emergency services. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Urgent care: TRICARE Prime enrollees can receive urgent care from any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider without a referral.
Preventive care: TRICARE Prime enrollees can receive clinical preventive services from any network provider within their geographic area without a referral.
TRICARE Select: No referrals are required for any care, but network providers are always recommended for lower costs.
Temporary Waiver for West Region
The Defense Health Agency implemented a temporary waiver of outpatient referral requirements for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries in the West Region during the transition to TriWest. Referrals issued between January 1, 2025, and March 31, 2025, were valid for services rendered through June 30, 2025. Beneficiaries should verify current referral requirements with TriWest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for a TRICARE Provider
1. Searching in the wrong region. South Dakota is in the TRICARE West Region. If you use the East Region directory, you’ll see providers who don’t accept your plan. Always start at tricare.mil/west.
2. Selecting the wrong TRICARE plan. The provider directory filters results based on your plan. If you select TRICARE Select when you’re actually enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you’ll see providers who may not be in your network.
3. Assuming all TRICARE-authorized providers are network providers. There’s a difference. Network providers have agreed to accept TRICARE’s allowable charges. Non-network providers are authorized to see TRICARE patients but may charge more and require you to file your own claims.
4. Not verifying provider availability before booking. Provider directories are updated periodically, but they may not reflect real-time availability. Call the provider’s office to confirm they’re accepting new TRICARE patients and are still in the network.
5. Skipping the referral for specialty care. If you’re in TRICARE Prime and see a specialist without a PCM referral, you could be stuck with the full bill. Always get the referral first.
6. Forgetting to update your address in DEERS. Your TRICARE region is determined by your address in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). If you’ve moved within South Dakota or from another state, update your address in milConnect to ensure you’re in the correct region.
How to Enroll in TRICARE in South Dakota
You can enroll in TRICARE in South Dakota through milConnect’s Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE), by phone, or by mail. Enrollment is required for TRICARE Prime; TRICARE Select also requires enrollment.
Online Enrollment
Go to milConnect at milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil.
Log in with your DS Logon or CAC.
Select “Beneficiary Web Enrollment.”
Follow the prompts to enroll in your chosen TRICARE plan.
Print or save your confirmation.
Phone Enrollment
Call TriWest Healthcare Alliance at 888-TRIWEST (874-9378). Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in your time zone (CT, MT, PT, Alaska Time, and Hawaii-Aleutian Time), excluding federal holidays.
Required Information
Sponsor’s Social Security number
Sponsor’s date of birth
Your Social Security number
Your date of birth
Your address in South Dakota
Your chosen TRICARE plan
Payment information (for enrollment fees, if applicable)
Enrollment Fees for 2026
Active duty service members pay no enrollment fees. Active duty family members and retirees pay enrollment fees that vary by plan and beneficiary category. TRICARE Select has no enrollment fee for active duty family members in Group A (sponsor’s initial enlistment before January 1, 2018).
Costs and Fees for TRICARE in South Dakota
TRICARE costs vary by plan, beneficiary category, and whether you use network or non-network providers. Here are the key cost components for 2026.
TRICARE Prime Costs (Active Duty Family Members, Group A)
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Enrollment fee (annual) | $0 |
| Deductible (annual) | $0 |
| Primary care visit | $0 |
| Specialty care visit | $0 |
| Emergency room visit | $0 |
| Urgent care visit | $0 |
TRICARE Select Costs (Active Duty Family Members, Group A)
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Enrollment fee (annual) | $0 |
| Deductible (annual) | $50 individual / $100 family (E-1 to E-4); $150 individual / $300 family (E-5 and above) |
| Primary care visit (network) | $28 |
| Specialty care visit (network) | $39 |
| Emergency room visit | $68 |
| Urgent care visit (network) | $28 |
Catastrophic Cap
The catastrophic cap is the most you pay out of pocket each calendar year for TRICARE-covered services. For active duty family members in Group A, the cap is $1,000 for TRICARE Prime and $3,000 for TRICARE Select. Once you reach the cap, TRICARE covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
Pharmacy Benefits in South Dakota
TRICARE’s pharmacy program is managed by Express Scripts, not TriWest. You can fill prescriptions at:
Military pharmacies (including the 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth AFB) — no copayment
Network retail pharmacies — copayments apply
TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery — lower copayments for maintenance medications
For pharmacy questions, call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303. The regional contractors do not handle pharmacy benefits.
Behavioral Health Providers in South Dakota
TRICARE covers mental health and behavioral health services, including outpatient therapy, inpatient care, and substance use disorder treatment. In South Dakota, several providers accept TRICARE, including:
Journey Counseling Services, LLC
Rapid City Counselors
Inspire Counseling, LLC (Aberdeen)
Revival Counseling Services, Inc. (Sioux Falls)
Sioux River Mental Health Services, LLC
Rising Hope Counseling, LLC
Sunstone Counseling, LLC
To find a behavioral health provider, use the TRICARE West provider directory and search by specialty (e.g., “psychiatry,” “psychology,” “counseling”). TRICARE Prime enrollees can receive the first eight outpatient mental health visits per fiscal year without a referral.
Urgent Care and Emergency Care in South Dakota
Emergency care requires no referral or authorization. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Notify your PCM within 24 hours or the next business day.
Urgent care is for conditions that need prompt attention but aren’t life-threatening—sprains, earaches, sore throats, minor infections. TRICARE Prime enrollees can use any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center or network provider without a referral. TRICARE Select beneficiaries can use any TRICARE-authorized urgent care provider.
Examples of urgent care locations in South Dakota:
Regional Urgent Care, 1303 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City
Quick Care, 1056 29th Street S.E., Watertown
Black Hills Urgent Care (Ellsworth AFB area)
What Changed in 2025 and What It Means for South Dakota
On January 1, 2025, TriWest Healthcare Alliance replaced Health Net Federal Services as the TRICARE West Region contractor. South Dakota beneficiaries now use TriWest for:
Provider directory searches
Referrals and authorizations
Claims processing
Customer service
Six states moved from the East Region to the West Region in 2025: Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. South Dakota was already in the West Region and did not change regions, but the contractor change affects all West Region beneficiaries.
What South Dakota beneficiaries should do:
Update your payment information with TriWest if you have recurring payments.
Use the TriWest provider directory at tricare.mil/west for all provider searches.
Call TriWest at 888-TRIWEST (874-9378) for customer service.
Verify that your current providers are still in the TriWest network.
Common Questions
How do I find a TRICARE West provider in South Dakota?
Visit tricare.mil/west and select “Find a Doctor.” Enter your ZIP code, choose your TRICARE plan, and search by provider name, specialty, or facility. The directory shows only providers in your plan’s network. You can also call TriWest at 888-TRIWEST (874-9378) for assistance.
Does South Dakota use TRICARE West or East?
South Dakota is in the TRICARE West Region. The regional contractor is TriWest Healthcare Alliance. The East Region, managed by Humana Military, covers most states east of the Mississippi River. Always verify your region by entering your ZIP code at tricare.mil/regions.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist in South Dakota?
It depends on your plan. TRICARE Prime enrollees need a referral from their primary care manager for most specialty care. TRICARE Select beneficiaries do not need referrals. Emergency care never requires a referral. Urgent care does not require a referral for Prime enrollees.
What military treatment facilities are in South Dakota?
The 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City is the primary military treatment facility in South Dakota. It provides primary care, specialty care, and ancillary services. TRICARE Prime enrollees living near the base may be assigned there as their PCM.
How do I contact TRICARE West customer service in South Dakota?
Call TriWest Healthcare Alliance at 888-TRIWEST (874-9378). Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in your time zone (CT, MT, PT, Alaska Time, and Hawaii-Aleutian Time), excluding federal holidays. You can also visit tricare.mil/west for online resources.
Can I see a non-network TRICARE provider in South Dakota?
TRICARE Select beneficiaries can see non-network TRICARE-authorized providers, but you’ll pay higher cost-shares and may have to file your own claims. TRICARE Prime enrollees generally cannot see non-network providers without a referral, except for emergencies and urgent care. Always verify a provider’s network status before booking.
What is the TRICARE West provider directory?
The TRICARE West provider directory is an online tool that lists network providers, specialists, hospitals, and military treatment facilities in the West Region. It’s accessible at tricare.mil/west through the “Find a Doctor” link. The directory shows providers that match your selected TRICARE plan and search location.
How do I enroll in TRICARE in South Dakota?
You can enroll online through milConnect’s Beneficiary Web Enrollment, by phone at 888-TRIWEST (874-9378), or by mail. Enrollment is required for TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select. Active duty service members are automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime.
What if I can’t find a provider in my area?
If the directory doesn’t show providers near you, expand your search radius or try a different specialty term. You can also call TriWest for help finding a provider. If you’re in a rural area with limited network providers, TRICARE may authorize care from a non-network provider through a waiver.
What is the TRICARE West Region phone number for providers?
Providers can call 888-TRIWEST (874-9378) for claims, prior authorizations, and eligibility verification. The claims payer ID is 99726, and the provider portal is available at tricare.triwest.com/provider.
Key Takeaways
South Dakota is in the TRICARE West Region, administered by TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
Find a TRICARE West provider at tricare.mil/west using the “Find a Doctor” tool.
Enter your ZIP code and select your TRICARE plan to see only in-network providers.
TRICARE Prime requires referrals for most specialty care; TRICARE Select does not.
The 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth AFB is the primary military treatment facility in South Dakota.
TriWest customer service: 888-TRIWEST (874-9378), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in your time zone.
Emergency care never requires a referral; urgent care does not require a referral for Prime enrollees.
Pharmacy benefits are managed by Express Scripts, not TriWest.
The 2025 contractor transition changed how West Region beneficiaries find providers and file claims.
Always verify a provider’s network status before booking to avoid unexpected costs.
Official Resources
TRICARE: tricare.mil
TRICARE West Region: tricare.mil/west
TriWest Healthcare Alliance: tricare.triwest.com
Find a Doctor Tool: tricare.mil/finddoctor
Military Treatment Facility Locator: tricare.mil/mtf
Defense Health Agency: health.mil
milConnect (DEERS and Enrollment): milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil
VA Black Hills Healthcare System: va.gov/black-hills-health-care
Express Scripts (TRICARE Pharmacy): express-scripts.com/TRICARE
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