Specialty Care Centers of Excellence

No, going to a Specialty Care Center of Excellence is not required. However, choosing one of these centers gives you access to the highest level of care within the DHA. Each Center of Excellence is recognized for attaining professional society verification within its specialty, utilizing evidence-based practices, and integrating research into clinical practice.

Here is why they are the best option for you and your family:

• Military Medical Experts: Our centers are staffed with DOD medical professionals who are highly trained and maintain active clinical skills specifically tailored to the health needs of our beneficiaries.  
• Focus on Readiness: Our centers maintain a focus on force readiness and return to duty. We deliver world class healthcare to active duty service members, family members, and retirees. Their multidisciplinary teams will manage all components of your treatment including diagnostic tests, rehabilitation, and follow up care within the center or by remote consultation.

There are two ways to get a referral to a Specialty Care Center of Excellence if you meet treatment criteria:

• Your provider—military or civilian—can submit a referral to be seen at a Centers of Excellence using TRICARE’s referral process.
• You, a family member, or your provider can contact a Center of Excellence directly using contact information on each website or through the clearinghouse intake form to discuss a referral.

• Active Duty, Activated Reservist or National Guard: If you’re on active duty, your unit may fund your travel and lodging. This is subject to medical necessity, appropriateness of the referral, and command approval.
• All Other Beneficiaries: Travel and lodging may be available. This is subject to medical necessity and referral appropriateness and must be coordinated with the Center of Excellence.
  • Patient sharing agreements to accept referrals of Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries may be available at some Center of Excellence locations.
  • Each Center of Excellence is near a Fisher House that may be available for lodging. Visit the local Center of Excellence webpage for possible lodging options.

Each Specialty Care Center of Excellence will host case conferences to discuss unique clinical capabilities and treatment options for complex cases. These conferences are advertised to Defense Health Network clinical leaders and Service consultants for each specialty. For more information about the case conference for a specific specialty, email the DHA Medical Affairs Centers of Excellence Team.

Due to volume limitations, referrals to a Specialty Care Center of Excellence should include the most complex cases with true medical necessity for treatment. Each Specialty Center of Excellence has defined referral criteria available to providers and managed care support contractors. A referral to a Center of Excellence will be proceeded by a virtual consultation by the center with the patient and/their provider(s) to determine if the referral is a good match.