TRICARE Update: Specialty care authorization and referral process Published Oct. 31, 2008 By Tyler Patterson TriWest Healthcare Alliance SPOKANE, Wash. -- Fairchild servicemembers and their families are being introduced to new online tools to help them access and manage their health care online, anytime. The newest addition to this virtual toolbox is 'QuickAlert,' an online notification system that notifies you by e-mail when your TRICARE authorization or referral is processed. This means that instead of waiting for notification by mail, you may proceed with scheduling your specialty care appointment (if approved) within one day of your request being processed. To use QuickAlert to set your appointment faster: 1. Obtain a referral request. Your Primary Care Manager will send this to TriWest. 2. Register on www.triwest.com, or just log in if you're already registered. Registered users are automatically enrolled in QuickAlert. 3. Set your QuickAlert preferences. Once logged in to your secure www.triwest.com account, you can change your preferences to have QuickAlerts sent to the e-mail address of your choice. 4. Schedule your appointment once you receive a QuickAlert e-mail notice that your referral is approved. Use the recommended provider or select a provider of your choice from the online provider directory at www.triwest.com. 5. Notify TriWest at 1-866-876-2383 of your appointment. Have your appointment date, tracking number and sponsor's social security number ready, and remember to notify TriWest again if you reschedule your appointment. TriWest will then help to ensure that your consultation and test results are returned to your PCM in a timely manner. Without QuickAlert, after your doctor issues a referral, you will receive an authorization letter in approximately seven days. At that time you can schedule your appointment. QuickAlert is free to use and does not disclose any personal information; it simply allows you to know the status of your request is available for viewing online. Once you log on, you'll be able to see whether your request for authorization or referral has been approved. For your convenience, your e-mail notification will contain a direct link to the login page. Whether enrolled in QuickAlert or not, you will continue to receive written notification by standard mail. As always, you are welcome to contact TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378) with any questions about your authorization or referral status.