Laughlin policy on patient travel orders and reimbursement Published March 27, 2008 LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Providing high-quality healthcare to the members of the 47th Flying Training Wing and their families is the 47th Medical Group's top priority. Because Laughlin's clinic is not staffed or equipped to provide all the medical services needed for the community, some patients must be referred to outside facilities. If patients are referred to other facilities in the local area by their Primary Care Manager, they will need to visit Cara Sievers, referral management coordinator. If patients are referred outside the local area, they will need to meet with Ray Blottin, beneficiary counselor. Mr. Blottin will ensure all members receive medical TDY orders before departing Laughlin for their scheduled appointment. Depending on the circumstances, some patients may qualify for travel reimbursement to and from their appointments. Based on local policies and the Joint Federal Travel Regulations, all TRICARE Prime patients must be put on medical TDY orders if referred greater than 100 miles outside the local area. Orders need to be created prior to the referral appointment. Active duty members are directed to use Laughlin's shuttle service for appointments in the San Antonio area. All other TRICARE Prime patients may use this service on a space-available basis. TRICARE Prime patients that are not active duty and are referred by their PCM can claim gas and meal expenses for their trip if they do not use the shuttle service. "We ask that you keep your receipts for proper reimbursement; receipts are required for purchases of $75 or more. In addition, meal reimbursement cannot exceed the per diem rate for the area traveled," said 2nd Lt. Amanda Ollenburg, Resource and Information Management flight. For more information about TRICARE Prime travel benefit, please contact Mr. Blottin at 298-6350.