TRICARE’s Web site takes pain out of appointments

  • Published
  • By Airman Eric Schloeffel
  • 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Life may have become a little easier for TRICARE members. 

TRICARE recently created a Web site with services and links that add convenience to the health care process. 

“It is computerized, so for those people who are computer savvy, it can save a lot of time,” said Maj. Johanna Payne, 347th Medical Group. “It has links to many of the different services TRICARE has to offer, and it’s very informative.” 

To join, access http://www.TRICAREonline.com and complete the registration process. This process includes creating a password and giving some personal information and healthcare provider names. 

Once registered, users can schedule appointments online. This puts an end to waiting for the next available assistant and creates a smoother appointment scheduling process, said Major Payne. 

“Unfortunately, like any business, we have a wait during peak calling hours,” she said. “One of the reasons TRICARE created this is to decrease patient wait times on the phone, and the convenience to make an appointment at your option. I hear many people say they don’t have time to call and wait on the appointment line.” 

The appointment function also enhances the ability of the 347th MDG to perform its job, said Master Sgt. Anthony Rogers, 347th MDG NCO in charge of the TRICARE flight.
“That ultimately improves our customer service relationship with our beneficiaries,” he said. 

TOL provides beneficiaries opportunities to schedule appointments with their primary care manager or other doctors at the Moody clinic. The Web site features a calendar for each doctor, and users can schedule appointments for times that suit them. TOL also allows users to cancel and change appointments. 

In addition to scheduling appointments, the privacy act compliant Web site can simplify the paperwork process. The claims section provides information on how and where to file bill claims, obtain forms, check the status of payment and get a copy of the TRICARE explanation of benefits. 

Members won’t have to re-register and stored personal information will not be erased after a permanent change of duty station, said Maj. Payne. 

“One of the most important aspects is the mobility (factor),” she said. “Your account will follow to you any base. You can also log in from any computer that has internet access.” 

Other useful sections of TOL are the Kids Link and General Health Information Link. These links provide information for a wide variety of topics, from parenting tips to a general health assessment. 

With all the benefits TOL offers, it’s worth the initial time it takes to set up an account, said Major Payne. 

“There is a lot of useful information on TOL,” she said. “This gives people another option and can save them a lot of time.”