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MEDICAL
Q1: Where is Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital/BAACH?
- The hospital is located on Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, near Gate #13 (South Post Visitor Center Gate).
Q2: How do I make an appointment?
- Call central appointments for BAACH, DSN 737-2273 or off-post 0505-737-2273, for other
appointment line numbers refer to the link Central Appointments on the 65th Medical Brigade website.
Q3: What do I do for medical care after hours?
- If you are on Yongsan Garrison or near Yongsan Garrison, report to the BAACH emergency department.
If you are located in Area I, III, or IV, then refer to your area clinics after hour procedures.
Q4: Where can I find my medical records?
- At BAACH, you will find them in the out-patient medical records located across from the pharmacy.
If you are in outlying Areas I, III, or IV, your records are kept at those clinics in your area.
Q5: How do I get a birth or death certificate?
- The certificate is issued by the facility in which the event took place.
You should request the certificate from that facility or hospital.
Q6: How do I get a prescription filled?
- You may call the pharmacy DSN 737-7984, or fill out the on-line request form for refill requests.
Q7: Can I get Host Nation Prescriptions filled at the MTF?
- It is dependent upon the medication, ask your pharmacist.
Q8: What services does BAACH Community offer?
- Please refer to the 65th Medical Brigade Website BAACH link for information on services provided
and applicable phone numbers.
Q9: Where can I get something to eat near the hospital?
- There is a wonderful dining facility inside BAACH that is open to the public, as well
as a snack bar located near the Emergency Department exit, and a local Katusa lunch and snack
restaurant, directly across from the baseball field in front of the hospital.
Q10: What lodging is in the area?
Q11: Who do I contact in relation to Billing Related Questions and Payment Options?
- You may contact your local Tricare office, or if you do not have Tricare, then you would
need to contact your insurance company directly.
Q12: How do I find a Host Nation Partnership Hospital?
Q13: What is the relationship between BAACH and Host Nation Providers?
- At the BAACH you would have a Primary Care Manager overseeing your care, but at a
Korean Host Nation Partner Hospital you would be assigned, if an in-patient, a Host Nation Provider
to oversee your care while you remain an in-patient at the hospital. The Host Nation Provider and
Primary Care Manager work together to ensure you receive the care you need.
Q14: Where should I stay if I have to travel to BAACH to stay with a family member?
DENTAL
Q1: Does DENTAC-Korea provide any local assistance with off-post referrals and the TRICARE Dental Program?
- Yes. Mr. Suh, Kyu Ho serves as the DENTAC-Korea TRICARE Dental Program representative.
Contact him at DSN 736-5051 (DC#2 Yongsan) or kyu.suh@amedd.army.mil. Additionally, he will
provide assistance regarding appointments with off-post dental Preferred Host Nation Providers
throughout the peninsula.
Q2: How do I enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program?
There are three methods of enrollment in the TDP. The sponsor may enroll online, which
requires Visa or MasterCard payment of the first month's premium. Enrollment must be received by
United Concordia by the 20th of the month in order for coverage to be processed for the first
of the next month. If the enrollment form and premium payment are received after the 20th of
the month, coverage will not begin until the first of the second month.
Enrollment may also be completed by mail. The sponsor should mail the completed and signed
enrollment form, along with the initial payment, to the address printed on the form.
You may also fax the completed and signed enrollment form along with your initial payment
(credit card only) to 1-888-734-1944.
Note: Enrollment must be initiated by the sponsor. If the sponsor is not available to complete
the enrollment application, an individual with Power of Attorney (POA) may submit the application.
A copy of the POA must be included with the enrollment form.
Q3: Are there different types of enrollments available with TDP?
Yes. You have two enrollment options for enrolling active duty family members in the TDP:
Single Enrollment - A single enrollment is for one eligible active duty family member.
Family Enrollment - A family enrollment is for two or more eligible active duty
family members.
Q4: How long must I remain enrolled?
- By enrolling in the TRICARE Dental Program, the sponsor agrees to remain enrolled for a minimum
of 12 months. After completion of the initial 12-month enrollment period, coverage will continue on
a month-to-month basis.
Q5: Can I enroll only one of my dependents?
- Yes. However, a sponsor must enroll all eligible dependents who are at least four years of
age and reside at the same address. If an enrollment request is received for only one dependent,
and DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) indicates that other eligible dependents live at the same address, the enrollment request will be rejected.
Q6: How do I determine if I am eligible for enrollment in the TRICARE Dental Program?
- Dependents of active duty members, Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve sponsors and
their families are eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program. Before enrollment can be completed,
United Concordia must confirm eligibility for coverage with DEERS. Please contact your sponsor’s
S-1 (personnel) department to determine DEERS enrollment. Alternatively, you may contact United
Concordia at 1-888-622-2256 to confirm DEERS eligibility prior to submitting your enrollment application.
Q7: How can I update my eligibility, address, and other information with DEERS?
- Sponsors or registered family members may make address and contact information changes; however,
only the sponsor can add or delete family members from DEERS. The addition or deletion of family members
from DEERS requires proper documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, and/or
birth certificate. Contact your sponsor’s S-1 department for more information regarding this issue.
Q8: Is an active duty service member eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program?
- No. Active duty service members are not eligible for the TDP. Active duty service members in Korea
receive all dental treatment within the military dental treatment facility.
Q9: Are children under four years old eligible for enrollment?
- Yes. Children under four years old may be voluntarily enrolled at any time, as long as a child is
eligible in DEERS. However, these children can be excluded from enrollment at the discretion of the sponsor
if there is only one member of the family over four years old residing at the same address as the child
who is under four years old. Upon reaching age four, children will be automatically enrolled in the TDP
on the first day of the month following the month in which they reach age four. If the addition of
the child results in a change from single to family enrollment, the monthly premium will increase.
Q10: Are retired military members eligible for the TRICARE Dental Program?
- No. Retirees are not eligible for the TDP. However, military retirees may subscribe to a separate
insurance program, administered by Delta Dental of California. Contact Delta Dental at 1-888-838-8737
for information regarding the TRICARE retiree insurance program. Visit the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program
website at http://www.trdp.org for complete information.
Q11: Are the TRICARE Dental and TRICARE Medical programs the same thing?
- No. The dental and medical programs are two distinct and separate plans, administered by different
resources. The TRICARE Medical staff is not resourced to adequately serve the TDP. As a result,
you must direct all questions regarding TDP to DENTAC–Korea, your sole local resource for assistance and
information regarding TDP.
VETERINARY
Q1. What do I need to do if I am leaving Korea with Pets?
- A. When leaving the Korean peninsula you must have a health certificate within 10 days of your flight. Different countries have different requirements, so please see our website for other information and tests you may need before you PCS. You also need a current rabies vaccine (at least 30 days old) and an original rabies vaccine certificate. Once at Inchon Airport your pet will be processed at the NVRQS station for document review and inspection ("Korean Health Certificate").
Q2. Can I board my pet at your facility?
- A. None of our facilities offer pet boarding; however, The Pet Care Center (736-6426) at USAG Yongsan Bldg. 5256, does offer on-post boarding in Area II. There are also many clinics off base in each area that offer boarding and grooming. Please see our staff or website for assistance.
Q3. I just arrived in Korea. How do I register my pet at your facility?
- A. Bring your pet’s medical records, vaccination records, and your new contact information (address, telephone number) to one of our 6 Vet Clinics in the 106th and we will register your pet.
Q4. Is it mandatory for my pet to be micro chipped?
- A. Yes, USFK Policy mandates that all pets are microchipped.
Q5.At what age can my pet be spayed or neutered?
- A. Generally, we recommend your pet be at least 4 months old before scheduling for elective surgery.
Q6. What if there is an emergency and my pet needs to be seen after-hours?
- A. Emergency on-call is not available at VTFs for after duty emergencies in each area. Please see our web site for off base clinics and contact one of them for emergency care in your area.
Q7. What vaccines do my pets need while we are in Korea?
- A. Various wellness packages have been designed to group services, vaccinations, and treatments based on medical need by age or disease risk categories. The wellness packages will provide the highest quality veterinary preventative health care needs at a discounted cost. Although the use of wellness packages is encouraged, we understand that each owner must occasionally determine what veterinary preventive health measures are best based on financial resources available.
Q8. Where can I go to get pet in Korea?
- A. There are various locations that you can go to find a pet in Korea. In fact, each Area Vet Clinic handles adoptions of strays (including pure breeds) found on installations. However, just like in the United States, there are things to be aware of before purchasing a pet off-base. Because pet stores and breeders are not regulated on the sanitation or medical prerequisites needed there can be outbreaks of very serious and sometimes fatal diseases due to various husbandry issues. So, we recommend you speak to our staff before going off base to buy a pet for further guidance on things to look for and avoid. Lastly, remember that the will be fees to fly your pet to your next duty assignment. Therefore, ensure that you are prepared to make a lasting decision of companionship and pet ownership before getting your new pet.
Q9. I noticed that Army Veterinary Clinics have started charging examination fees, when can I expect to be charged a fee?
- A. All Army Veterinary Clinics worldwide are undergoing Army-wide Standardization to include prices and exam fees. Historically, the Veterinary Treatment Facilities have been associated financially with other installation operations such as the bowling alley, gold clubs, and restaurants.
The US Army Veterinary Service Activity has over 180 clinics around the world, and in compliance with Department of Defense regulation, we are presently assuming the responsibility for every clinic’s budget from the local installations. Once complete, this will give us more flexibility to expand our services with the goal of improving veterinary health care across the Department of Defense. Pricing before standardization was regional and locally based. Therefore, overhead operating costs of individual clinics had great variation because of different supplies, equipment and types of employees available. Through the standardization of veterinary clinic drug formularies and equipment in Korea we can improve our level of veterinary care. Because our primary mission in South Korea is to be ready to fight at a moment’s notice, we also hire civilians to expand our capabilities and provide better installation support during the times when we must focus on our primary mission. These civilians are Non-Appropriated Fund veterinarians, technicians, and receptionists. Your fees will help to pay for these Non-Appropriated Fund employees, as well as purchase the drugs, supplies and some of the equipment used to care for your pet. There is no fee for Health Certificates required for a PCS move as long as you show your PCS orders. All other appointments will be charged an examination fee which varies in price from 10-25 dollars.
TRICARE
Q1. Why does the TRICARE enrollment office need my command sponsorship orders to enroll my family in TRICARE
Overseas Prime?
According to Health Affairs Policy 97-052, only Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs) who meet
the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR) definition of Command Sponsored are eligible for enrollment
into TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Prime. Command sponsorship is annotated on your assignment orders.
The TRICARE enrollment clerks must verify command sponsorship from your official orders in order
to enroll your family in TOP Prime.
We have several families who are on a joint domicile assignment in Korea.
If the dual-Active Duty couple has accompanying children, one of the service members must have
the children listed as command sponsored on their assignment orders in order for the children
to be eligible to enroll in TOP Prime.
Q2. I am command-sponsored, am I automatically TRICARE Overseas Prime?
- No. You must transfer your enrollment to your new duty location whenever you move.
Visit your local TRICARE Office with assignment orders annotating command sponsorship
to fill out an enrollment form.
Q3. I do not have command sponsorship, but I brought my family with me to Korea. How do they get medical care?
- Non-command-sponsored Active Duty Family Members, who reside overseas, are eligible for TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) Standard only. The TOP Standard option is similar to the TRICARE Standard program offered stateside, with the same cost-shares and deductibles. Your family members can obtain their primary care from one of the military treatment facilities on the Korean Peninsula. Any care or services not available with in the MTFs will be referred out to one of the hospitals we have an agreement with (called "MOU" facilities) to provide care to our beneficiaries. Although TRICARE Standard patients stateside do not require a referral for care, we encourage TOP Standard patients to have their care to host nation hospitals referred by their primary care provider and arranged by the TRICARE Service Center to avoid having to pay the entire bill up front.
Q4. What does "up-front payment" mean?
Many host nation providers expect payment at the time services are provided, often in local currency instead of U.S. dollars. Most host nation facilities will accept a U.S. bank credit card, especially in the larger metropolitan areas.
- If you are enrolled in TOP Prime, you will not be required to pay up front for care in one of our host nation partnership hospitals and clinics. If you have to obtain care in facility that is not one of our host nation partnership hospitals or clinics because of an emergency, you will be required to pay up front and file a claim with Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS), the TRICARE Overseas claims processor. Your local TRICARE Benefits Counselor can assist you with any claims paperwork needed for reimbursement.
- If you are TOP Standard and you have been referred by a MTF provider, your care will be arranged by the TRICARE Service Center and your cost-share will be annotated so that the host nation partnership hospital or clinic only collects that portion at the time the services are provided. If you have to obtain care in a facility that is not one of our host nation partnership hospitals or clinics because of an emergency, you will be required to pay up front and file a claim with WPS, the TRICARE Overseas claims processor. You will be reimbursed for all but your cost-share and deductible. Your local TRICARE Benefits Counselor can assist you with any claims paperwork needed for reimbursement.
- If family members visit Korea who are enrolled in a stateside TRICARE Region, but need care not available in the MTF, they must call their stateside regional office for care authorization, pay up front for the care, then file a claim with their TRICARE Region for reimbursement. TRICARE information for all regions is located on www.tricare.mil. Your local TRICARE Benefits Counselor can assist you with any claims paperwork needed for reimbursement.
Q5. My college-age child is visiting me in Korea for the summer. She is enrolled in Prime near her school in the U.S. How does she access health care while she is visiting Korea?
- Your college-age daughter can obtain care when available within the MTF. If care is not available, she will be referred to one of our host nation partnership hospitals or clinics. She will need to call her stateside TRICARE Region for care authorization, pay up front for the care at the time services are provided, and then file a claim with her TRICARE Region for reimbursement. If she does not obtain authorization for the care, she may incur higher point-of-service (POS) charges. See the TRICARE for College Students FACT SHEET on www.tricare.mil. We encourage her to obtain any necessary routine care where she is enrolled. If she is referred out for emergency care, the TRICARE Benefits Counselor will assist with notification of her TRICARE Region and payment arrangements.
Q6. We just found out that my wife is pregnant, where does she go for care?
Obstetrical (OB) care is available to Active Duty Service Members, Retirees, DoD Employees, and Family Members, throughout Korea. To obtain OB care, patients should first report to the nearest Military Treatment Facility (MTF) for confirmation of their pregnancy. If the local MTF cannot provide the necessary care, then the provider will either refer the patient to a Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital provider, or to a local TRICARE-accepting host nation partnership hospital. However, if the patient is determined to have a high risk pregnancy, or if the patient prefers to utilize a host nation hospital due to traveling distance, the OB provider may refer the patients to TRICARE in order for the patient to obtain an approved referral to one of the host nation partnership hospitals.
TRICARE Standard patients (retirees and non-command sponsored family members primarily) are highly encouraged to obtain an approved referral, signed by a MTF provider and approved by the TRICARE Service Center, before going to a host nation partnership hospital in order to avoid full, up front, out-of-pocket payments (and the requirement to file for reimbursement later).
Q7. I am a junior soldier stationed in Korea and I brought my family with me non-command-sponsored. How much will I need to pay for their medical care if they cannot be seen at the MTF?
- TRICARE Standard patients are required to pay their annual deductible one time per fiscal year and cost-share for each visit at MOU facilities, up to the catastrophic cap for the year. Once the family has met the cap ($1000 for Active Duty Families and $3000 for Retirees and their families), they will not incur any other costs for the rest of the fiscal year for TRICARE covered benefits. Non-command-sponsored families should be prepared to pay up to $1000 per fiscal year for medical care while they are in Korea.
Q8. What level of care can I expect at the host nation partnership hospital?
- You can expect a high level of care, and a multidisciplinary team approach to medicine, involving nursing and medical staff to include your primary care provider and internists. Most of our host nation hospitals are University hospitals where they approach medicine with a team approach using multiple individuals to ensure you receive the best of care.
Q9. What are some cultural differences I should be aware of during my hospital stay?
- During your stay you can expect mainly Korean food served at your meals. Some of the larger and more modern host nation partnership hospitals have western style food as well, available upon request. In the Korean culture, the family is very much involved with the patients’ care and stay with them until he/she is discharged from the hospital. We understand that many of our beneficiaries are here without family and encourage unit support of those admitted. The nursing staff is wonderful and compassionate, and will be available to assist you with all your needs during your stay at the hospital.
Q10. Are translators available?
- YES. Translators are available either through the host nation hospital or through the Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital/121 hospital ER, as they have a roster of translators on duty to assist.
Q11. How do I get medical records from the host nation partnership hospital or clinic?
- Your medical records will be provided to you in order for you to give them to your primary care provider for review and to update your profile at your follow up appointment. In most cases, a copy of your medical records will be delivered to the TRICARE Service Center. Once the results are received, they will be scanned into your electronic medical record and the hard copy will be maintained in your medical record in Patient Administration.
Q12. Where do we go for follow-up appointments?
- Depending upon your situation, you may need to follow up with the doctor that cared for you at the host nation partnership hospital. You will also need to make a follow up appointment with your primary care provider in order to have your records updated and to keep your provider informed of your medical condition.
Q13. When should I expect to be notified for admission to the host nation partnership hospital for surgery or pre-admission workup?
- You may be notified several days in advance or simply a couple of hours before they need you at the hospital. It will depend upon availability of the surgeon and the availability of patient beds.
Q14. Can I expect a private room and accommodations?
- The local hospitals are very busy and take care of a very large population of people. It may not always be possible to have a private room, and private rooms are very limited, depending upon the facility. Generally, TRICARE and other commercial insurance do not pay for private rooms upon request; if a semi-private room is unavailable, TRICARE will pay for a private room until a semi-private room becomes available. Sharing a room with one or more other persons is quite realistic and should be expected.
Q15. Will the host nation partnership hospital provide personal items and post surgical supplies?
- We recommend you bring your own toiletries and bath towels. Some of the medical facilities will supply an admission packet that includes basic personal items, but not all. Post surgical supplies should be made available upon discharge. Please be advised that the cost of medical supplies will be added to your final bill.
Q16. Do the host nation partnership hospitals provide adequate pain management?
- Yes. Although they have a different approach on managing pain, the host nation partnership hospital will accommodate your needs to the best of their ability. If your pain level is intolerable, please inform the Nurse Case Manager or Patient Liaison when they come visit you during your admission.
Q17. Will my discharge instructions include a follow up appointment with my primary care provider at a Military Treatment Facility?
- It will depend upon the surgery or care that you received and the recommendation from the treating physician at the host nation partnership hospital. You should always make a follow up appointment with your primary care provider in to have your profile updated with your current medical status and condition with recommendations for future care.
Q18. Who provides transportation upon discharge?
- You will need to coordinate your own transportation upon discharge from the hospital, and will be given ample time to make such arrangements. If you’re being discharged Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM, the TRICARE courtesy van may be available, depending upon the time of day and location.
Q19. What do I do if I need emergency care and I am not near a military treatment facility?
- If it is a true emergency, go to the nearest emergency room. You will most likely be required to pay up front and file a claim with WPS, the TRICARE Overseas claims processor. The TRICARE Benefit Counselor can assist you with any claims paperwork needed for reimbursement. If you go to one of our host nation partnership hospitals for emergency care, they will contact TRICARE personnel at Yongsan to verify eligibility and arrange for payment. If you’re an Active Duty Service Member or a command sponsored family member enrolled in TOP Prime and you’re seen at one of our host nation partnership hospitals, you will not be required to pay up front for your medical care. If you are TOP Standard, you will be responsible for paying your annual deductible and cost-share at the time medical care is provided.
Q20. Where is the TRICARE Service Center located in Korea and what services are provided?
The TRICARE Service Center is located in Building 7005, Room 1150 on Yongsan Garrison, across from the Asian Garden, Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital. The TRICARE Service Center offers the following services to Active Duty Service Members, command and non-command sponsored family members, retirees, DoD Civilians and Contractors throughout the peninsula:
- Educates all beneficiaries about TRICARE options in Korea.
- Enrolls or transfers enrollment for eligible beneficiaries in the appropriate TRICARE health plan.
- Assists with claims resolution and debt collection.
- Coordinates healthcare with one of our host nation partnership hospitals and clinics when a provider enters consults for services that cannot be provided internally; contacts hospital and schedules appointments for beneficiaries.
- Educates beneficiaries on co-payment, cost shares and deductibles for services rendered at one of our host nation partnership hospitals or clinics; coordinates care if/when necessary or requested.
- Provides healthcare finder services when patients need to be transferred from the MTF to a host nation partnership hospital or clinic.
- Provides courtesy transportation to/from some of our host nation partnership hospital or clinic on a first come, first serve basis.
- Please contact the TRICARE Service Center with any questions. DSN 736-7236, or 0505-736-7236 from a civilian phone.
Q21. I am a retiree. I heard that I no longer need to pay up front for my care in a Korean hospital. Is this true?
If you have a referral from a Military Treatment Facility provider, the TRICARE Service Center can arrange for your care at one of our host nation partnership hospitals or clinics across the peninsula and you will only pay your deductible (if not already met for the year) and your 25% cost share at the time of your appointment.
The next time you need care at a host nation facility,
- Visit your MTF provider for a referral. If care is not available within the MTF, the provider will put a referral in the system for TRICARE.
- A representative from TRICARE will call you with an appointment date and time. If you do not receive a phone call from a TRICARE staff member after 72 hours after the referral was requested by a provider, please contact your local TRICARE Office for assistance.
- The TRICARE Service Center will inform the host nation medical facility of your payment responsibilities. (Note: If you have Other Health Insurance, you will need to pay the entire bill up front and file claims with your insurance company and TRICARE. TRICARE is the second payer.)
- The TRICARE Service Center will ensure the host nation hospital does not charge you for the remainder of the bill.
- Contact the TRICARE Service Center with any questions at DSN 736-7236, or 0505-736-7236 from a civilian phone, or visit the Yongsan TRICARE Service Center, Building 7005, Room 1150 inside Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital across from the Asian Garden.
Q22. I am TOP Standard and I prefer to get my care from a host nation provider. I do not want to be referred by a MTF provider. Can the TRICARE Service Center assist me with my claims paperwork?
- Certainly! However, you also have the option of filing the claim yourself and tracking it through the TRICARE4u website. Visit www.tricare4u.com to see all of the services available to you.
Q23. I am TOP Standard with Other Health Insurance. How much do I pay when I am referred to a MOU facility for care?
- Because TRICARE is the second payer and most other health insurance companies do not pay host nation facilities directly, you will be required to pay the entire bill up front, file a claim with your other insurance company first, then file a claim with TRICARE for the remainder of the bill. You will be reimbursed for all but your deductible, if not met for the year, and your cost-share for that visit after the other insurance reimburses you for their covered portion.
Q24. Who do I contact for more TRICARE Overseas information?
There are many information options for you.
- Visit the 65th Medical Brigade TRICARE website. Go to www.korea.amedd.army.mil and click on TRICARE.
- The TRICARE Website at http://www.tricare-overseas.com. This website provides specific information on TRICARE Overseas Program.
- The TRICARE website at www.tricare.mil has information on TRICARE in general, for different beneficiary categories, as well as specific Fact Sheets for overseas.
- The TRICARE Service Center and your military treatment facility have several TRICARE Overseas booklets available to you.
- You can also contact the TRICARE Service Center on Yongsan Garrison at DSN 736-7236, or 0505-736-7236 from a civilian phone, or visit the Yongsan TRICARE Service Center, Building 7005, Room 1150, inside Brian Allgood Army Community across from the Asian Garden.
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