If I am wanting to go to an office in Manhattan instead of on post, do I absolutely HAVE to have a referral if I have tricare prime? May be a stupid question, but I'm clueless when it comes to insurance and such. 

for it to be paid for you do =( 

You can be prime and chose an ofpost doctor ofpost or just go standers and then you can go any where with out a refusal for a small price 

thanks. anyone know how difficult it is to get a referral? 

its easy. as long as its covered under your insurance. chiropractor isn't covered but if most other things are covered. and the referral has to be under the places tri-care covers. 

ok, thanks! can I call tricare to get one, or do I have to make an appt just for the referral thru my regular dr? sorry about all the questions, like i said, Im clueless about this stuff:) 

they have a website.. www.triwest.com that the referals show up on with in 24, 48 hrs after it has been requested to tricare. you can just print it off there and bring it.. thats what i do

depending on what ur gettin seen for.. 

ok, that kind of helps lol. I am trying to get a referral to an off post dr for infertility. I have already seen a dr on post, and i'd like to get a second opinion at a place of my choice. I guess its a long process (if even possible) without switching to standard. ugh....I've already seen two drs on post. the first referred me to the second, and the second just kind of blew me off. taking matters into my own hands seems impossible at this point, with this insurance plan. thanks, tho guys!