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Tricare covers most inpatient and outpatient care that is medically necessary and considered proven. Equally important to primary care is preventive health care, which can help you live a healthier, longer life. As a Tricare beneficiary you are eligible for a range of clinical preventive services, including examinations, immunizations and periodic screenings based on your age, health history and family history.
The following screening examinations may be performed during either the periodic comprehensive health promotion examination or as part of other patient encounters. The intent is to maximize preventive care:
Cancer screenings: Not all insurances pay for various preventive screenings. Tricare leads the way in providing a robust preventive health screening opportunity for both Tricare Prime and Tricare Standard.
Female screenings include breast cancer screenings with physical exam and mammogram every 12 months for women 39 years and older — younger if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Male screenings include a testicular exam annually starting from age 13 to 39 with history of cryptorchidism, orchiopexy or testicular atrophy. Prostate cancer examinations are offered annually beginning at age 50.
Colorectal cancer exams for both men and women start at age 40 with physical exam and occult blood tests every year.
Sigmoidoscopy exams should be done every three to five years beginning at age 50 and colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50.
Cardiovascular screenings: Everyone should get cholesterol screenings — lipid panel — at least every five years beginning at age 18. Blood pressure checks should be done at least every two years.
Vision screening: Active duty family Prime enrolled beneficiaries, 3 years and older, are authorized one comprehensive eye exam by a specialist every year. Infants are screened by their primary care provider at birth and at 6 months. Children who are Standard beneficiaries between 3 and 6 are authorized two comprehensive eye exams by a specialist. Adult Standard beneficiaries are not covered.
Immunizations: Age appropriate vaccines (www.cdc.gov/vaccines), including newly recommended vaccines: • Shingles (Herpes Zoster) — beneficiaries age 60 to 65. • Human papillomavirus (HPV) — girls ages 11 to 12; or catch up for girls 13 to 26.
This is not an all inclusive list of the clinical preventive services offered by Tricare, so make sure you check with your primary care provider to assure you are up to date on the appropriate screenings for yourself and your family.
(Courtesy of Tricare)
