–   In response to spiking COVID-19 cases across the country, the Department of Defense is mobilizing 1,000 medical personnel to assist in locations where hospitals are overwhelmed due to staffing shortages. The mobilizations will likely last until the end of April. A significant number of Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center providers have been identified to support the tasking.
 
As a critical component of medical readiness, we stand ready to support our nation in times of crisis. At the same time, we want to be fully transparent about the impact mission requirements will have on our ability to provide care to our beneficiaries. Starting 15 January, appointments previously scheduled with providers impacted by the upcoming deployments may be postponed until a later date or changed to a virtual appointment.

Anticipated Changes

If your provider is impacted by the upcoming deployments, your care team will still be available. You will continue to have access to secure messaging, pharmacy refills, and some medical appointments.

In addition, beneficiaries can anticipate the following:

1. Maximized use of virtual visits when possible
2. Delays in routine renewals of non-urgent medications
3. Longer wait times for TRICARE Secure Message responses
4. Delays in routine non-urgent appointments

Immediate Acute Care Concerns

For immediate acute care concerns, we encourage you to take advantage of available care options, which include:

1. Nurse Advice Line: mhsnurseadviceline.com or 1-800-TRICARE
2. Urgent Care Centers in the community
3. Civilian or Military Emergency Departments

To reach your healthcare team:

1. Send a secure message through the TRICARE patient portal at www.tricareonline.com
2. Contact the appointment line at 855-227-6331 and leave a telephone consult.  

Answering our nation’s call takes a unified effort among our providers, medical staff, and our beneficiaries. We appreciate your understanding as we work to care for our patients here at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and beyond.