An agreement that defines the legal position of a visiting military force deployed in the territory of a friendly state. The NATO SOFA, as referenced in this instruction, does not apply to care in U.S. territories or possessions unless the foreign materiel program (FMP) are stationed in the 50 U.S. States and is traveling from there to a U.S. territory or...

An health maintenance organization (HMO)-like option, provided as part of the TRICARE program in accordance with section 199.17 of Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, where MHS beneficiaries elect to enroll in a voluntary enrollment program, which provides TRICARE Standard benefits and enhanced primary and preventive benefits with nominal beneficiary c...

Privately held companies contracted by the U.S. Government (USG) to handle all TRICARE claims for any given region. The government directs fiscal intermediaries through federal regulations and guidelines. At times a fiscal intermediary may subcontract claims processors to adjudicate claims.

A prior authorization is a review of the requested health care service to determine if it is medically necessary at the requested level of care.

Designed to provide health care services to Active Duty Service Member (ADSMs) assigned to remote locations in the United States, usually more than 50 miles or a 1-hour drive, from a military hospital or clinic.

The point of service option allows an eligible beneficiary enrolled in TRICARE Prime to receive non-emergency, TRICARE-covered services from any TRICARE authorized provider without requesting a referral from their primary care manager, resulting in higher out of pocket costs.

Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.  The devices help individuals access computer and telecommunication systems and gain improved access to care and decision making.  Ex...

Technology that provides individuals with disabilities equal access to computer and telecommunication work environments.  It does not include durable medical equipment and is divided into two categories:  devices and services.

A program under the authority of the DODHRA that provides AT to increase access to computer and telecommunication systems by employees with disabilities within the DOD and federal partner agencies, and Service members with cognitive, communication, dexterity, hearing, or vision impairments.

A system of support and advocacy to guide and assist the wounded, ill, and injured Service members and family or designated caregiver through treatment, rehabilitation, return to duty, or military retirement into the civilian community.  Each Military Department has a unique wounded warrior program that addresses its Service members’ needs. Thi...

Any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device.  Services may include needs assessments, acquisition, integration, coordination of services with rehabilitation plans, training, and technical assistance.

A planned and systemic pattern of all actions necessary to provide confidence that requirements are established; products and services conform to established laws, regulations, and policy; and satisfactory performance is achieved.

The joint DOD-Department of Veterans Affairs process by which DOD determines whether ill or injured service members are fit for continued military service. The DOD and VA determine appropriate benefits for those service members who are separated or retired for disability.

The non-medical case manager who provides information, assistance, and case status updates to the affected service member throughout the Disability Evaluation System process.

Internal military department case file reviews at various points in the disability evaluation process intended to support the accuracy and consistency of medical evaluation board and physical evaluation board decisions and the reduction of the number of board decision errors.