IF their Tricare card has the Benefits Number on the back of the card this is the ID you must enter for subscriber number. 

This is the type of card you will see most often for TricareWest/East/For Life. 

If you scan the card in it will enter the DOD ID on the front of the card.  You need to change the Benefits Number on the back of the card. 

This will not verify eligible if you do not change the ID to the Benefits ID.

Dr. Braxton is not contracted with VA/Tricare. If a patient calls in with this insurance 

it will have to be a Self pay like Medicare.

VA - TriWest Healthcare Alliance Referral Guidelines

New Referrals

• No referral = No appointment. A referral from the VA Community Care Clinic (Denver, Grand Junction, or sometimes Cheyenne, WY) is required.

• Referrals from local PCPs are NOT valid—without VA authorization, the patient is responsible for the bill.

• Patients must reside in Summit, Eagle, Park, Lake, or Chaffee Counties unless a specific doctor approves otherwise.

• Referrals cover only the listed body part and laterality—additional concerns require a separate referral.

• A referral is valid for 6 months from the date of the first appointment.

ER/Urgent Care Patients

• Even if seen in the ER or Urgent Care, a VA referral is still required for follow-up care.

• The VA may require post-op care at a VA facility instead of at your clinic.

Expired Referrals

• If a referral expires but is for a previously treated issue, the clinic can submit an RFS (Request for Services) to extend care—processing takes 6-8 weeks.

• If a patient has a new injury/body part concern, they must obtain a new referral from the VA Community Care Clinic.

• If a referral expired over 6 months ago, a new referral is required since there are no recent records to justify an RFS request.

Helpful Hints

• Billing alerts indicate referral expiration dates.

• Incoming referrals are listed in ECW with valid dates.

• Check the Referrals folder in ECW—there may be multiple versions (initial & final).

• Contact the Referrals Team for questions.