Access to Care Definitions and Standards

Emergency Care Beneficiaries seeking emergency care should proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. Emergency services are necessary when the absence of medical attention would result in serious health risks or death.

Urgent (Acute) Care Beneficiaries should have an appointment within 24 hours or be offered a referral and authorization to seek urgent care outside with a host nation provider. Urgent care is for non-emergency illness or injury for which medical treatment is necessary.

Routine Care Beneficiaries must have an appointment to visit an appropriately trained provider within seven calendar days.

Wellness and Health Promotion Services Beneficiaries must have an appointment to visit an appropriately trained provider within four weeks.

Referrals for Specialty Care Services Beneficiaries must have an appointment to visit an appropriately trained provider within seven calendar days.