Q. Can I choose a civilian network provider?

A. If you are covered under Tricare Prime and live over 30 minutes from Nellis AFB, you can change your PCM (Prime Care Manager) through the United Healthcare Service Center. If you do not live over 30 minutes from Nellis AFB, you must submit a request for review/approval for civilian PCM. You can submit request via email to: 99MDGTricare@nellis.af.mil, along with a map (MapQuest, Google map, etc.) with drive time from your home address to Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center. You will then be notified if the request was approved or denied. If denied, you have the option to switch from Prime to Tricare Standard. Please visit the United Healthcare Service Center for details about Tricare Standard.

Please be aware that Active Duty Service member cannot be under Tricare Standard. In addition, if you get approved to have a civilian PCM and your civilian PCM refers you to see a Specialty Physician then you must come back to Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center for treatment (if that service is available), unless you are 60 minutes or more from Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center.

Send your questions to askthedoc@nellis.af.mil.