# 32 C.F.R. § 199.4 (2026): Basic program benefits

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URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_4

## Section

- **Citation:** 32 C.F.R. § 199.4 (2026)
- **Heading:** Basic program benefits
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 32 CFR: National Defense / Chapter I: OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE / Part 199: CIVILIAN HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROGRAM OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES (CHAMPUS) / § 199.4: § 199.4   Basic program benefits.

## Text

(a)
General.
The CHAMPUS Basic Program is essentially a supplemental program to the Uniformed Services direct medical care system. The Basic Program is similar to private insurance programs, and is designed to provide financial assistance to CHAMPUS beneficiaries for certain prescribed medical care obtained from civilian sources.
(1)(i)
Scope of benefits.
Subject to all applicable definitions, conditions, limitations, or exclusions specified in this part, the CHAMPUS Basic Program will pay for medically or psychologically necessary services and supplies required in the diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury, including maternity care and well-baby care. Benefits include specified medical services and supplies provided to eligible beneficiaries from authorized civilian sources such as hospitals, other authorized institutional providers, physicians, other authorized individual professional providers, and professional ambulance service, prescription drugs, authorized medical supplies, and rental or purchase of durable medical equipment.
(ii)
Impact of TRICARE program.
The basic program benefits set forth in this section are applicable to the basic CHAMPUS program. In areas in which the TRICARE program is implemented, certain provisions of § 199.17 will apply instead of the provisions of this section. In those areas, the provisions of § 199.17 will take precedence over any provisions of this section with which they conflict.
(2)
Persons eligible for Basic Program benefits.
Persons eligible to receive the Basic Program benefits are set forth in § 199.3 of this part. Any person determined to be an eligible CHAMPUS beneficiary is eligible for Basic Program benefits.
the provisions of this section. In those areas, the provisions of § 199.17 will take precedence over any provisions of this section with which they conflict.
(2)
Persons eligible for Basic Program benefits.
Persons eligible to receive the Basic Program benefits are set forth in § 199.3 of this part. Any person determined to be an eligible CHAMPUS beneficiary is eligible for Basic Program benefits.
(3)
Authority to act for CHAMPUS.
The authority to make benefit determinations and authorize the disbursement of funds under CHAMPUS is restricted to the Director, OCHAMPUS; designated OCHAMPUS staff; Director, OCHAMPUSEUR; or CHAMPUS fiscal intermediaries. No other persons or agents (such as physicians, staff members of hospitals, or CHAMPUS health benefits advisors) have such authority.
(4)
Status of patient controlling for purposes of cost-sharing.
Benefits for covered services and supplies described in this section will be extended either on an inpatient or outpatient cost-sharing basis in accordance with the status of the patient at the time the covered services and supplies were provided, unless otherwise specifically designated (such as for ambulance service or maternity care). For cost-sharing provisions, refer to paragraph (f) of this section.
(5)
Right to information.
As a condition precedent to the provision of benefits hereunder, OCHAMPUS or its CHAMPUS fiscal intermediaries shall be entitled to receive information from a physician or hospital or other person, institution, or organization (including a local, state, or U.S. Government agency) providing services or supplies to the beneficiary for which claims or requests for approval for benefits are submitted. Such information and records may relate to the attendance, testing, monitoring, or examination or diagnosis of, or treatment rendered, or services and supplies furnished to a beneficiary, and shall be necessary for the accurate and efficient administration of CHAMPUS benefits
cy) providing services or supplies to the beneficiary for which claims or requests for approval for benefits are submitted. Such information and records may relate to the attendance, testing, monitoring, or examination or diagnosis of, or treatment rendered, or services and supplies furnished to a beneficiary, and shall be necessary for the accurate and efficient administration of CHAMPUS benefits. Before a determination will be made on a request for preauthorization or claim of benefits, a beneficiary or sponsor must provide particular additional information relevant to the requested determination, when necessary. The recipient of such information shall in every case hold such records confidential except when:
(i) Disclosure of such information is authorized specifically by the beneficiary;
(ii) Disclosure is necessary to permit authorized governmental officials to investigate and prosecute criminal actions, or
(iii) Disclosure is authorized or required specifically under the terms of the Privacy Act or Freedom of Information Act (refer to § 199.1(m) of this part).
For the purposes of determining the applicability of and implementing the provisions of §§ 199.8, 199.11, and 199.12, or any provision of similar purpose of any other medical benefits coverage or entitlement, OCHAMPUS or CHAMPUS fiscal intermediaries may release, without consent or notice to any beneficiary or sponsor, to any person, organization, government agency, provider, or other entity any information with respect to any beneficiary when such release constitutes a routine use published in the
Federal Register
in accordance with DoD 5400.11-R (Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a)). Before a person's claim of benefits will be adjudicated, the person must furnish to CHAMPUS information that reasonably may be expected to be in his or her possession and that is necessary to make the benefit determination. Failure to provide the requested information may result in denial of the claim.
ublished in the
Federal Register
in accordance with DoD 5400.11-R (Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a)). Before a person's claim of benefits will be adjudicated, the person must furnish to CHAMPUS information that reasonably may be expected to be in his or her possession and that is necessary to make the benefit determination. Failure to provide the requested information may result in denial of the claim.
(6)
Physical examinations.
The Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, may require a beneficiary to submit to one or more medical (including psychiatric) examinations to determine the beneficiary's entitlement to benefits for which application has been made or for otherwise authorized medically necessary services and supplies required in the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury (including maternity and well-baby care). When a medical examination has been requested, CHAMPUS will withhold payment of any pending claims or preauthorization requests on that particular beneficiary. If the beneficiary refuses to agree to the requested medical examination, or unless prevented by a medical reason acceptable to OCHAMPUS, the examination is not performed within 90 days of initial request, all pending claims for services and supplies will be denied. A denial of payments for services or supplies provided before (and related to) the request for a physical examination is not subject to reconsideration. The medical examination and required beneficiary travel related to performing the requested medical examination will be at the expense of CHAMPUS. The medical examination may be performed by a physician in a Uniformed Services medical facility or by an appropriate civilian physician, as determined and selected by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee who is responsible for making such arrangements as are necessary, including necessary travel arrangements.
ated to performing the requested medical examination will be at the expense of CHAMPUS. The medical examination may be performed by a physician in a Uniformed Services medical facility or by an appropriate civilian physician, as determined and selected by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee who is responsible for making such arrangements as are necessary, including necessary travel arrangements.
(7)
Claims filing deadline.
For all services provided on or after January 1, 1993, to be considered for benefits, all claims submitted for benefits must, except as provided in § 199.7, be filed with the appropriate CHAMPUS contractor no later than one year after the services are provided. Unless the requirement is waived, failure to file a claim within this deadline waives all rights to benefits for such services or supplies.
(8)
Double coverage and third party recoveries.
CHAMPUS claims involving double coverage or the possibility that the United States can recover all or a part of its expenses from a third party, are specifically subject to the provisions of § 199.8 or § 199.12 of this part as appropriate.
(9)
Nonavailability Statements within a 40-mile catchment area.
Unless required by action of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA)) under this paragraph (a)(9), nonavailability statements are not required. If they are required by ASD(HA) action, in some geographic locations, CHAMPUS beneficiaries not enrolled in TRICARE Prime may be required to obtain a nonavailability statement from a military medical treatment facility in order to receive specifically identified health care services from a civilian provider. If the required care cannot be provided through the Uniformed Service facility, the hospital commander, or a designee, will issue a Nonavailability Statement (NAS) (DD Form 1251). Failure to secure such a statement may waive the beneficiary's rights to benefits under CHAMPUS/TRICARE.
dical treatment facility in order to receive specifically identified health care services from a civilian provider. If the required care cannot be provided through the Uniformed Service facility, the hospital commander, or a designee, will issue a Nonavailability Statement (NAS) (DD Form 1251). Failure to secure such a statement may waive the beneficiary's rights to benefits under CHAMPUS/TRICARE.
(i) With the exception of maternity services, the ASD(HA) may require an NAS prior to TRICARE cost-sharing for additional services from civilian sources if such services are to be provided to a beneficiary who lives within a 40-mile catchment area of an MTF where such services are available and the ASD(HA):
(A) Demonstrates that significant costs would be avoided by performing specific procedures at the affected MTF or MTFs; or
(B) Determines that a specific procedure must be provided at the affected MTF or MTFs to ensure the proficiency levels of the practitioners at the MTF or MTFs; or
(C) Determines that the lack of NAS data would significantly interfere with TRICARE contract administration; and
(D) Provides notification of the ASD(HA)'s intent to require an NAS under this authority to covered beneficiaries who receive care at the MTF or MTFs that will be affected by the decision to require an NAS under this authority; and
(E) Provides at least 60-day notification to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the ASD(HA)'s intent to require an NAS under this authority, the reason for the NAS requirement, and the date that an NAS will be required.
(ii) Rules in effect at the time civilian medical care is provided apply. The applicable rules and regulations regarding Nonavailability Statements in effect at the time the civilian care is rendered apply in determining whether a NAS is required.
he Senate of the ASD(HA)'s intent to require an NAS under this authority, the reason for the NAS requirement, and the date that an NAS will be required.
(ii) Rules in effect at the time civilian medical care is provided apply. The applicable rules and regulations regarding Nonavailability Statements in effect at the time the civilian care is rendered apply in determining whether a NAS is required.
(iii) The Director, TMA is responsible for issuing the procedural rules and regulations regarding Nonavailability Statements. Such rules and regulations should address:
(A) When and for what services a NAS is required. However, a NAS may not be required for services otherwise available at an MTF located within a 40-mile radius of the beneficiary's residence when another insurance plan or program provides the beneficiary's primary coverage for the services. This requirement for an NAS does not apply to beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime, even when those beneficiaries use the point-of-service option under § 199.17(n)(3) of this part; and
(B) When and how notifications will be made to a beneficiary who is not enrolled in TRICARE Prime as to whether or not he or she resides in a geographic area that requires obtaining a NAS; and
(C) What information relating to claims submissions, including the documentation, if any, that is required to document that a valid NAS was issued. However, when documentation of a NAS is required, then that documentation shall be valid for the adjudication of CHAMPUS claims for all related care otherwise authorized by this part which is received from a civilian source while the beneficiary resided within the Uniformed Service facility catchment area which issued the NAS.
(iv) In the case of any service subject to a NAS requirement under this paragraph (a)(9) and also subject to a preadmission (or other pre-service) authorization requirement under § 199.4 or § 199.15 of this part, the administrative processes for the NAS and pre-service authorization may be combined.
(10) [Reserved]
resided within the Uniformed Service facility catchment area which issued the NAS.
(iv) In the case of any service subject to a NAS requirement under this paragraph (a)(9) and also subject to a preadmission (or other pre-service) authorization requirement under § 199.4 or § 199.15 of this part, the administrative processes for the NAS and pre-service authorization may be combined.
(10) [Reserved]
(11) Quality and Utilization Review Peer Review Organization program. All benefits under the CHAMPUS program are subject to review under the CHAMPUS Quality and Utilization Review Peer Review Organization program pursuant to Sec 199.15.
(12) [Reserved]
(13)
Implementing instructions.
The Director, OCHAMPUS shall issue policies, procedures, instructions, guidelines, standards and/or criteria to implement this section.
(14
) Confidentiality of substance use disorder treatment.
Release of any patient identifying information, including that required to adjudicate a claim, must comply with the provisions of section 543 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 290dd-2), and implementing regulations at 42 CFR part 2, which governs the release of medical and other information from the records of patients undergoing treatment of substance use disorder. If the patient refuses to authorize the release of medical records which are, in the opinion of the Director, Defense Health Agency, or a designee, necessary to determine benefits on a claim for treatment of substance use disorder, the claim will be denied.
art 2, which governs the release of medical and other information from the records of patients undergoing treatment of substance use disorder. If the patient refuses to authorize the release of medical records which are, in the opinion of the Director, Defense Health Agency, or a designee, necessary to determine benefits on a claim for treatment of substance use disorder, the claim will be denied.
(b)
Institutional benefits
—(1)
General.
Services and supplies provided by an institutional provider authorized as set forth in § 199.6 may be cost-shared only when such services or supplies: are otherwise authorized by this part; are medically necessary; are ordered, directed, prescribed, or delivered by an OCHAMPUS-authorized individual professional provider as set forth in § 199.6 or by an employee of the authorized institutional provider who is otherwise eligible to be a CHAMPUS authorized individual professional provider; are delivered in accordance with generally accepted norms for clinical practice in the United States; meet established quality standards; and comply with applicable definitions, conditions, limitations, exceptions, or exclusions as otherwise set forth in this part.
(i)
Billing practices.
To be considered for benefits under § 199.4(b), covered services and supplies must be provided and billed for by a hospital or other authorized institutional provider. Such billings must be fully itemized and sufficiently descriptive to permit CHAMPUS to determine whether benefits are authorized by this part. Depending on the individual circumstances, teaching physician services may be considered an institutional benefit in accordance with § 199.4(b) or a professional benefit under § 199.4(c). See paragraph (c)(3)(xiii) of this section for the CHAMPUS requirements regarding teaching physicians
ized and sufficiently descriptive to permit CHAMPUS to determine whether benefits are authorized by this part. Depending on the individual circumstances, teaching physician services may be considered an institutional benefit in accordance with § 199.4(b) or a professional benefit under § 199.4(c). See paragraph (c)(3)(xiii) of this section for the CHAMPUS requirements regarding teaching physicians. In the case of continuous care, claims shall be submitted to the appropriate CHAMPUS fiscal intermediary at least every 30 days either by the beneficiary or sponsor or, on a participating basis, directly by the facility on behalf of the beneficiary (refer to § 199.7).
(ii)
Successive inpatient admissions.
Successive inpatient admissions shall be deemed one inpatient confinement for the purpose of computing the active duty dependent's share of the inpatient institutional charges, provided not more than 60 days have elapsed between the successive admissions, except that successive inpatient admissions related to a single maternity episode shall be considered one confinement, regardless of the number of days between admissions. For the purpose of applying benefits, successive admissions will be determined separately for maternity admissions and admissions related to an accidental injury (refer to § 199.4(f)).
(iii)
Related services and supplies.
Covered services and supplies must be rendered in connection with and related directly to a covered diagnosis or definitive set of symptoms requiring otherwise authorized medically necessary treatment.
ying benefits, successive admissions will be determined separately for maternity admissions and admissions related to an accidental injury (refer to § 199.4(f)).
(iii)
Related services and supplies.
Covered services and supplies must be rendered in connection with and related directly to a covered diagnosis or definitive set of symptoms requiring otherwise authorized medically necessary treatment.
(iv)
Inpatient, appropriate level required.
For purposes of inpatient care, the level of institutional care for which Basic Program benefits may be extended must be at the appropriate level required to provide the medically necessary treatment except for patients requiring skilled nursing facility care. For patients for whom skilled nursing facility care is adequate, but is not available in the general locality, benefits may be continued in the higher level care facility. General locality means an area that includes all the skilled nursing facilities within 50 miles of the higher level facility, unless the higher level facility can demonstrate that the skilled nursing facilities are inaccessible to its patients. The decision as to whether a skilled nursing facility is within the higher level facility's general locality, or the skilled nursing facility is inaccessible to the higher level facility's patients shall be a CHAMPUS contractor initial determination for the purposes of appeal under § 199.10 of this part. CHAMPUS institutional benefit payments shall be limited to the allowable cost that would have been incurred in the skilled nursing facility, as determined by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee. If it is determined that the institutional care can be provided reasonably in the home setting, no CHAMPUS institutional benefits are payable.
tion for the purposes of appeal under § 199.10 of this part. CHAMPUS institutional benefit payments shall be limited to the allowable cost that would have been incurred in the skilled nursing facility, as determined by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee. If it is determined that the institutional care can be provided reasonably in the home setting, no CHAMPUS institutional benefits are payable.
(v)
General or special education not covered.
Services and supplies related to the provision of either regular or special education generally are not covered. Such exclusion applies whether a separate charge is made for education or whether it is included as a part of an overall combined daily charge of an institution. In the latter instance, that portion of the overall combined daily charge related to education must be determined, based on the allowable costs of the educational component, and deleted from the institution's charges before CHAMPUS benefits can be extended. The only exception is when appropriate education is not available from or not payable by the cognizant public entity. Each case must be referred to the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, for review and a determination of the applicability of CHAMPUS benefits.
(vi)
Substance use disorder treatment exclusions.
(A) The programmed use of physical measures, such as electric shock, alcohol, or other drugs as negative reinforcement (aversion therapy) is not covered, even if recommended by a physician.
(B)
Domiciliary settings.
Domiciliary facilities generally referred to as halfway or quarterway houses are not authorized providers and charges for services provided by these facilities are not covered.
usions.
(A) The programmed use of physical measures, such as electric shock, alcohol, or other drugs as negative reinforcement (aversion therapy) is not covered, even if recommended by a physician.
(B)
Domiciliary settings.
Domiciliary facilities generally referred to as halfway or quarterway houses are not authorized providers and charges for services provided by these facilities are not covered.
(2)
Covered hospital services and supplies
—(i)
Room and board.
Includes special diets, laundry services, and other general housekeeping support services (inpatient only).
(ii)
General staff nursing services.
(iii)
ICU.
Includes specialized units, such as for respiratory conditions, cardiac surgery, coronary care, burn care, or neurosurgery (inpatient only).
(iv)
Operating room, recovery room.
Operating room and recovery room, including other special treatment rooms and equipment, and hyperbaric chamber.
(v)
Drugs and medicines.
Includes sera, biologicals, and pharmaceutical preparations (including insulin) that are listed in the official formularies of the institution or facility at the time of use. (To be considered as an inpatient supply, drugs and medicines must be consumed during the specific period the beneficiary is a registered inpatient. Drugs and medicines prescribed for use outside the hospital, even though prescribed and obtained while still a registered inpatient, will be considered outpatient supplies and the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section will apply.)
e time of use. (To be considered as an inpatient supply, drugs and medicines must be consumed during the specific period the beneficiary is a registered inpatient. Drugs and medicines prescribed for use outside the hospital, even though prescribed and obtained while still a registered inpatient, will be considered outpatient supplies and the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section will apply.)
(vi)
Durable medical equipment, medical supplies, and dressings.
Includes durable medical equipment, medical supplies essential to a surgical procedure (such as artificial heart valve and artificial ball and socket joint), sterile trays, casts, and orthopedic hardware. Use of durable medical equipment is restricted to an inpatient basis.
Note:
If durable medical equipment is to be used on an outpatient basis or continued in outpatient status after use as an inpatient, benefits will be provided as set forth in paragraph (d) of this section and cost-sharing will be on an outpatient basis (refer to paragraph (a)(4) of this section).
(vii)
Diagnostic services.
Includes clinical laboratory examinations, x-ray examinations, pathological examinations, and machine tests that produce hard-copy results. Also includes CT scanning under certain limited conditions.
(viii)
Anesthesia.
Includes both the anesthetic agent and its administration.
(ix)
Blood.
Includes blood, plasma and its derivatives, including equipment and supplies, and its administration.
ervices.
Includes clinical laboratory examinations, x-ray examinations, pathological examinations, and machine tests that produce hard-copy results. Also includes CT scanning under certain limited conditions.
(viii)
Anesthesia.
Includes both the anesthetic agent and its administration.
(ix)
Blood.
Includes blood, plasma and its derivatives, including equipment and supplies, and its administration.
(x)
Radiation therapy.
Includes radioisotopes.
(xi)
Physical therapy.
(xii)
Oxygen.
Includes equipment for its administration.
(xiii)
Intravenous injections.
Includes solution.
(xiv)
Shock therapy.
(xv)
Chemotherapy.
(xvi)
Renal and peritoneal dialysis.
(xvii)
Psychological evaluation tests.
When required by the diagnosis.
(xviii)
Other medical services.
Includes such other medical services as may be authorized by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, provided they are related directly to the diagnosis or definitive set of symptoms and rendered by a member of the institution's medical or professional staff (either salaried or contractual) and billed for by the hospital.
(xix)
Medication assisted treatment.
Covered drugs and medicines for the treatment of substance use disorder include the substitution of a therapeutic drug, with addictive potential, for a drug addiction when medically or psychologically necessary and appropriate medical care for a beneficiary undergoing supervised treatment for a substance use disorder.
(xx)
Withdrawal management (detoxification).
For a beneficiary undergoing treatment for a substance use disorder, this includes management of a patient's withdrawal symptoms (detoxification).
(3)
Covered services and supplies provided by special medical treatment institutions or facilities, other than hospitals or RTCs—
or a beneficiary undergoing supervised treatment for a substance use disorder.
(xx)
Withdrawal management (detoxification).
For a beneficiary undergoing treatment for a substance use disorder, this includes management of a patient's withdrawal symptoms (detoxification).
(3)
Covered services and supplies provided by special medical treatment institutions or facilities, other than hospitals or RTCs—
(i)
Room and board.
Includes special diets, laundry services, and other general housekeeping support services (inpatient only).
(ii)
General staff nursing services.
(iii)
Drugs and medicines.
Includes sera, biologicals, and pharmaceutical preparations (including insulin) that are listed in the official formularies of the institution or facility at the time of use. (To be considered as an inpatient supply, drugs and medicines must be consumed during the specific period the beneficiary is a registered inpatient. Drugs and medicines prescribed for use outside the authorized institutional provider, even though prescribed and obtained while still a registered inpatient, will be considered outpatient supplies and the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section will apply.).
(iv)
Durable medical equipment, medical supplies, and dressings.
Includes durable medical equipment, sterile trays, casts, orthopedic hardware and dressings. Use of durable medical equipment is restricted to an inpatient basis.
Note:
If the durable medical equipment is to be used on an outpatient basis or continued in outpatient status after use as an inpatient, benefits will be provided as set forth in paragraph (d) of this section, and cost-sharing will be on an outpatient basis (refer to paragraph (a)(4) of this section).
dic hardware and dressings. Use of durable medical equipment is restricted to an inpatient basis.
Note:
If the durable medical equipment is to be used on an outpatient basis or continued in outpatient status after use as an inpatient, benefits will be provided as set forth in paragraph (d) of this section, and cost-sharing will be on an outpatient basis (refer to paragraph (a)(4) of this section).
(v)
Diagnostic services.
Includes clinical laboratory examinations, x-ray examinations, pathological examination, and machine tests that produce hard-copy results.
(vi)
Blood.
Includes blood, plasma and its derivatives, including equipment and supplies, and its administration.
(vii)
Physical therapy.
(viii)
Oxygen.
Includes equipment for its administration.
(ix)
Intravenous injections.
Includes solution.
(x)
Shock therapy.
(xi)
Chemotherapy.
(xii)
Psychological evaluation tests.
When required by the diagnosis.
(xiii)
Renal and peritoneal dialysis.
(xiv)
Skilled nursing facility (SNF) services.
Covered services in SNFs are the same as provided under Medicare under section 1861(h) and (i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(h) and (i)) and 42 CFR part 409, subparts C and D, except that the Medicare limitation on the number of days of coverage under section 1812(a) and (b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395d(a) and (b)) and 42 CFR 409.61(b) shall not be applicable under TRICARE. Skilled nursing facility care for each spell of illness shall continue to be provided for as long as medically necessary and appropriate. For a SNF admission to be covered under TRICARE, the beneficiary must have a qualifying hospital stay meaning an inpatient hospital stay of three consecutive days or more, not including the hospital leave day
CFR 409.61(b) shall not be applicable under TRICARE. Skilled nursing facility care for each spell of illness shall continue to be provided for as long as medically necessary and appropriate. For a SNF admission to be covered under TRICARE, the beneficiary must have a qualifying hospital stay meaning an inpatient hospital stay of three consecutive days or more, not including the hospital leave day. The beneficiary must enter the SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital, or within such time as it would be medically appropriate to begin an active course of treatment, where the individual's condition is such that SNF care would not be medically appropriate within 30 days after discharge from a hospital. The skilled services must be for a medical condition that was either treated during the qualifying three-day hospital stay, or started while the beneficiary was already receiving covered SNF care. Additionally, an individual shall be deemed not to have been discharged from a SNF, if within 30 days after discharge from a SNF, the individual is again admitted to a SNF. Adoption by TRICARE of most Medicare coverage standards does not include Medicare coinsurance amounts. Extended care services furnished to an inpatient of a SNF by such SNF (except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3)(xiv)(C), (b)(3)(xiv)(F), and (b)(3)(xiv)(G) of this section) include:
(A) Nursing care provided by or under the supervision of a registered professional nurse;
(B) Bed and board in connection with the furnishing of such nursing care;
(C) Physical or occupational therapy or speech-language pathology services furnished by the SNF or by others under arrangements with them by the facility;
(D) Medical social services;
(E) Such drugs, biological, supplies, appliances, and equipment, furnished for use in the SNF, as are ordinarily furnished for the care and treatment of inpatients;
(F) Medical services provided by an intern or resident-in-training of a hospital with which the facility has such an agreement in effect; and
(G) Such other services nec
angements with them by the facility;
(D) Medical social services;
(E) Such drugs, biological, supplies, appliances, and equipment, furnished for use in the SNF, as are ordinarily furnished for the care and treatment of inpatients;
(F) Medical services provided by an intern or resident-in-training of a hospital with which the facility has such an agreement in effect; and
(G) Such other services necessary to the health of the patients as are generally provided by SNFs, or by others under arrangements with them made by the facility.
(xv)
Other medical services.
Other medical services may be authorized by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, provided they are related directly to the diagnosis or definitive set of symptoms and rendered by a member of the institution's medical or professional staff (either salaried or contractual) and billed for by the authorized institutional provider of care.
(xvi)
Medication assisted treatment.
Covered drugs and medicines for the treatment of substance use disorder include the substitution of a therapeutic drug, with addictive potential, for a drug addiction when medically or psychologically necessary and appropriate medical care for a beneficiary undergoing supervised treatment for a substance use disorder.
(xvii)
Withdrawal management (detoxification).
For a beneficiary undergoing treatment for a substance use disorder, this includes management of a patient's withdrawal symptoms (detoxification).
drug, with addictive potential, for a drug addiction when medically or psychologically necessary and appropriate medical care for a beneficiary undergoing supervised treatment for a substance use disorder.
(xvii)
Withdrawal management (detoxification).
For a beneficiary undergoing treatment for a substance use disorder, this includes management of a patient's withdrawal symptoms (detoxification).
(4)
Services and supplies provided by RTCs
—(i)
Room and board.
Includes use of residential facilities such as food service (including special diets), laundry services, supervised reasonable recreational and social activity services, and other general services as considered appropriate by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee.
(ii)
Patient assessment.
Includes the assessment of each child or adolescent accepted by the RTC, including clinical consideration of each of his or her fundamental needs, that is, physical, psychological, chronological age, developmental level, family, educational, social, environmental, and recreational.
(iii)
Diagnostic services.
Includes clinical laboratory examinations, x-ray examinations, pathological examinations, and machine tests that produce hard-copy results.
(iv)
Psychological evaluation tests.
(v)
Treatment of mental disorders.
Services and supplies that are medically or psychologically necessary to diagnose and treat the mental disorder for which the patient was admitted to the RTC. Covered services and requirements for qualifications of providers are as listed in paragraph (c)(3)(ix) of this section.
(vi)
Other necessary medical care.
Emergency medical services or other authorized medical care may be rendered by the RTC provided it is professionally capable of rendering such services and meets standards required by the Director, OCHAMPUS. It is intended, however, that CHAMPUS payments to an RTC should primarily cover those services and supplies directly related to the treatment of mental disorders that require residential care.
Emergency medical services or other authorized medical care may be rendered by the RTC provided it is professionally capable of rendering such services and meets standards required by the Director, OCHAMPUS. It is intended, however, that CHAMPUS payments to an RTC should primarily cover those services and supplies directly related to the treatment of mental disorders that require residential care.
(vii)
Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity.
In determining the medical or psychological necessity of services and supplies provided by RTCs, the evaluation conducted by the Director, OCHAMPUS (or designee) shall consider the appropriate level of care for the patient, the intensity of services required by the patient, and the availability of that care. In addition to the criteria set forth in this paragraph (b)(4) of this section, additional evaluation standards, consistent with such criteria, may be adopted by the Director, OCHAMPUS (or designee). RTC services and supplies shall not be considered medically or psychologically necessary unless, at a minimum,
all
the following criteria are clinically determined in the evaluation to be fully met:
(A) Patient has a diagnosable psychiatric disorder.
(B) Patient exhibits patterns of disruptive behavior with evidence of disturbances in family functioning or social relationships and persistent psychological and/or emotional disturbances.
(C) RTC services involve active clinical treatment under an individualized treatment plan that provides for:
(
1
) Specific level of care, and measurable goals/objectives relevant to each of the problems identified;
(
2
) Skilled interventions by qualified mental health professionals to assist the patient and/or family;
(
3
) Time frames for achieving proposed outcomes; and
(
4
) Evaluation of treatment progress to include timely reviews and updates as appropriate of the patient's treatment plan that reflects alterations in the treatment regimen, the measurable goals/objectives, and the level of care required for each of t
interventions by qualified mental health professionals to assist the patient and/or family;
(
3
) Time frames for achieving proposed outcomes; and
(
4
) Evaluation of treatment progress to include timely reviews and updates as appropriate of the patient's treatment plan that reflects alterations in the treatment regimen, the measurable goals/objectives, and the level of care required for each of the patient's problems, and explanations of any failure to achieve the treatment goals/objectives.
(D) Unless therapeutically contraindicated, the family and/or guardian must actively participate in the continuing care of the patient either through direct involvement at the facility or geographically distant family therapy. (In the latter case, the treatment center must document that there has been collaboration with the family and/or guardian in all reviews.)
(5)
Extent of institutional benefits
—(i)
Inpatient room accommodations
—(A)
Semiprivate.
The allowable costs for room and board furnished an individual patient are payable for semiprivate accommodations in a hospital or other authorized institution, subject to appropriate cost-sharing provisions (refer to paragraph (f) of this section). A semiprivate accommodation is a room containing at least two beds. Therefore, if a room publicly is designated by the institution as a semiprivate accommodation and contains multiple beds, it qualifies as semiprivate for the purpose of CHAMPUS.
(B)
Private.
A room with one bed that is designated as a private room by the hospital or other authorized institutional provider
aph (f) of this section). A semiprivate accommodation is a room containing at least two beds. Therefore, if a room publicly is designated by the institution as a semiprivate accommodation and contains multiple beds, it qualifies as semiprivate for the purpose of CHAMPUS.
(B)
Private.
A room with one bed that is designated as a private room by the hospital or other authorized institutional provider. The allowable cost of a private room accommodation is covered only under the following conditions:
(
1
) When its use is required medically and when the attending physician certifies that a private room is necessary medically for the proper care and treatment of a patient; or
(
2
) When a patient's medical condition requires isolation; or
(
3
) When a patient (in need of immediate inpatient care but not requiring a private room) is admitted to a hospital or other authorized institution that has semiprivate accommodations, but at the time of admission, such accommodations are occupied; or
(
4
) When a patient is admitted to an acute care hospital (general or special) without semiprivate rooms.
(C)
Duration of private room stay.
The allowable cost of private accommodations is covered under the circumstances described in paragraph (b)(5)(i)(B) of this section until the patient's condition no longer requires the private room for medical reasons or medical isolation; or, in the case of the patient not requiring a private room, when a semiprivate accommodation becomes available; or, in the case of an acute care hospital (general or special) which does not have semiprivate rooms, for the duration of an otherwise covered inpatient stay.
(D)
Hospital (except an acute care hospital, general or special) or other authorized institutional provider without semiprivate accommodations
e of the patient not requiring a private room, when a semiprivate accommodation becomes available; or, in the case of an acute care hospital (general or special) which does not have semiprivate rooms, for the duration of an otherwise covered inpatient stay.
(D)
Hospital (except an acute care hospital, general or special) or other authorized institutional provider without semiprivate accommodations.
When a beneficiary is admitted to a hospital (except an acute care hospital, general or special) or other institution that has no semiprivate accommodations, for any inpatient day when the patient qualifies for use of a private room (as set forth in paragraphs (b)(5)(i)(B) (
1
) and (
2
) of this section) the allowable cost of private accommodations is covered. For any inpatient day in such a hospital or other authorized institution when the patient does not require medically the private room, the allowable cost of semiprivate accommodations is covered, such allowable costs to be determined by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee.
(ii)
General staff nursing services.
General staff nursing services cover all nursing care (other than that provided by private duty nurses) including, but not limited to, general duty nursing, emergency room nursing, recovery room nursing, intensive nursing care, and group nursing arrangements. Only nursing services provided by nursing personnel on the payroll of the hospital or other authorized institution are eligible under paragraph (b) of this section. If a nurse who is not on the payroll of the hospital or other authorized institution is called in specifically to care for a single patient (individual nursing) or more than one patient (group nursing), whether the patient is billed for the nursing services directly or through the hospital or other institution, such services constitute private duty (special) nursing services and are not eligible for benefits under this paragraph (the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(xv) of this section would apply).
ifically to care for a single patient (individual nursing) or more than one patient (group nursing), whether the patient is billed for the nursing services directly or through the hospital or other institution, such services constitute private duty (special) nursing services and are not eligible for benefits under this paragraph (the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(xv) of this section would apply).
(iii)
ICU.
An ICU is a special segregated unit of a hospital in which patients are concentrated, by reason of serious illness, usually without regard to diagnosis. Special lifesaving techniques and equipment are available regularly and immediately within the unit, and patients are under continuous observation by a nursing staff specially trained and selected for the care of this type of patient. The unit is maintained on a continuing, rather than an intermittent or temporary, basis. It is not a postoperative recovery room or a postanesthesia room. In some large or highly specialized hospitals, the ICUs may be refined further for special purposes, such as for respiratory conditions, cardiac surgery, coronary care, burn care, or neurosurgery. For purposes of CHAMPUS, these specialized units would be considered ICUs if they otherwise conformed to the definition of an ICU.
(iv)
Treatment rooms.
Standard treatment rooms include emergency rooms, operating rooms, recovery rooms, special treatment rooms, and hyperbaric chambers and all related necessary medical staff and equipment. To be recognized for purposes of CHAMPUS, treatment rooms must be so designated and maintained by the hospital or other authorized institutions on a continuing basis. A treatment room set up on an intermittent or temporary basis would not be so recognized.
rooms, operating rooms, recovery rooms, special treatment rooms, and hyperbaric chambers and all related necessary medical staff and equipment. To be recognized for purposes of CHAMPUS, treatment rooms must be so designated and maintained by the hospital or other authorized institutions on a continuing basis. A treatment room set up on an intermittent or temporary basis would not be so recognized.
(v)
Drugs and medicines.
Drugs and medicines are included as a supply of a hospital or other authorized institution only under the following conditions:
(A) They represent a cost to the facility rendering treatment;
(B) They are furnished to a patient receiving treatment, and are related directly to that treatment; and
(C) They are ordinarily furnished by the facility for the care and treatment of inpatients.
(vi)
Durable medical equipment, medical supplies, and dressings.
Durable medical equipment, medical supplies, and dressings are included as a supply of a hospital or other authorized institution only under the following conditions:
(A) If ordinarily furnished by the facility for the care and treatment of patients; and
(B) If specifically related to, and in connection with, the condition for which the patient is being treated; and
(C) If ordinarily furnished to a patient for use in the hospital or other authorized institution (except in the case of a temporary or disposable item); and
(D) Use of durable medical equipment is limited to those items provided while the patient is an inpatient. If such equipment is provided for use on an outpatient basis, the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section apply.
being treated; and
(C) If ordinarily furnished to a patient for use in the hospital or other authorized institution (except in the case of a temporary or disposable item); and
(D) Use of durable medical equipment is limited to those items provided while the patient is an inpatient. If such equipment is provided for use on an outpatient basis, the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section apply.
(vii)
Transitional use items.
Under certain circumstances, a temporary or disposable item may be provided for use beyond an inpatient stay, when such item is necessary medically to permit or facilitate the patient's departure from the hospital or other authorized institution, or which may be required until such time as the patient can obtain a continuing supply; or it would be unreasonable or impossible from a medical standpoint to discontinue the patient's use of the item at the time of termination of his or her stay as an inpatient.
(viii)
Anesthetics and oxygen.
Anesthetics and oxygen and their administration are considered a service or supply if furnished by the hospital or other authorized institution, or by others under arrangements made by the facility under which the billing for such services is made through the facility.
(6)
Inpatient mental health services.
Inpatient mental health services are those services furnished by institutional and professional providers for treatment of a nervous or mental disorder (as defined in § 199.2) to a patient admitted to a CHAMPUS-authorized acute care general hospital; a psychiatric hospital; or, unless otherwise exempted, a special institutional provider.
through the facility.
(6)
Inpatient mental health services.
Inpatient mental health services are those services furnished by institutional and professional providers for treatment of a nervous or mental disorder (as defined in § 199.2) to a patient admitted to a CHAMPUS-authorized acute care general hospital; a psychiatric hospital; or, unless otherwise exempted, a special institutional provider.
(i)
Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity.
In determining the medical or psychological necessity of acute inpatient mental health services, the evaluation conducted by the Director, OCHAMPUS (or designee) shall consider the appropriate level of care for the patient, the intensity of services required by the patient, and the availability of that care. The purpose of such acute inpatient care is to stabilize a life-threatening or severely disabling condition within the context of a brief, intensive model of inpatient care in order to permit management of the patient's condition at a less intensive level of care. Such care is appropriate only if the patient requires services of an intensity and nature that are generally recognized as being effectively and safely provided only in an acute inpatient hospital setting. In addition to the criteria set forth in this paragraph (b)(6) of this section, additional evaluation standards, consistent with such criteria, may be adopted by the Director, OCHAMPUS (or designee). Acute inpatient care shall not be considered necessary unless the patient needs to be observed and assessed on a 24-hour basis by skilled nursing staff, and/or requires continued intervention by a multidisciplinary treatment team; and in addition, at least one of the following criteria is determined to be met:
(A) Patient poses a serious risk of harm to self and/or others.
(B) Patient is in need of high dosage, intensive medication or somatic and/or psychological treatment, with potentially serious side effects.
(C) Patient has acute disturbances of mood, behavior, or thinking.
vention by a multidisciplinary treatment team; and in addition, at least one of the following criteria is determined to be met:
(A) Patient poses a serious risk of harm to self and/or others.
(B) Patient is in need of high dosage, intensive medication or somatic and/or psychological treatment, with potentially serious side effects.
(C) Patient has acute disturbances of mood, behavior, or thinking.
(ii)
Emergency admissions.
Admission to an acute inpatient hospital setting may be on an emergency or on a non-emergency basis. In order for an admission to qualify as an emergency, the following criteria, in addition to those in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section, must be met:
(A) The patient must be at immediate risk of serious harm to self and or others based on a psychiatric evaluation performed by a physician (or other qualified mental health professional with hospital admission authority); and
(B) The patient requires immediate continuous skilled observation and treatment at the acute psychiatric level of care.
(iii)-(iv)[Reserved]
(7)
Emergency inpatient hospital services.
In the case of a medical emergency, benefits can be extended for medically necessary inpatient services and supplies provided to a beneficiary by a hospital, including hospitals that do not meet CHAMPUS standards or comply with the nondiscrimination requirements under title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other nondiscrimination laws applicable to recipients of federal financial assistance, or satisfy other conditions herein set forth. In a medical emergency, medically necessary inpatient services and supplies are those that are necessary to prevent the death or serious impairment of the health of the patient, and that, because of the threat to the life or health of the patient, necessitate, the use of the most accessible hospital available and equipped to furnish such services
ance, or satisfy other conditions herein set forth. In a medical emergency, medically necessary inpatient services and supplies are those that are necessary to prevent the death or serious impairment of the health of the patient, and that, because of the threat to the life or health of the patient, necessitate, the use of the most accessible hospital available and equipped to furnish such services. Emergency services are covered when medically necessary for the active medical treatment of the acute phases of substance withdrawal (detoxification), for stabilization and for treatment of medical complications for substance use disorder. The availability of benefits depends upon the following three separate findings and continues only as long as the emergency exists, as determined by medical review. If the case qualified as an emergency at the time of admission to an unauthorized institutional provider and the emergency subsequently is determined no longer to exist, benefits will be extended up through the date of notice to the beneficiary and provider that CHAMPUS benefits no longer are payable in that hospital.
(i)
Existence of medical emergency.
A determination that a medical emergency existed with regard to the patient's condition;
(ii)
Immediate admission required.
A determination that the condition causing the medical emergency required immediate admission to a hospital to provide the emergency care; and
(iii)
Closest hospital utilized.
A determination that diagnosis or treatment was received at the most accessible (closest) hospital available and equipped to furnish the medically necessary care.
o the patient's condition;
(ii)
Immediate admission required.
A determination that the condition causing the medical emergency required immediate admission to a hospital to provide the emergency care; and
(iii)
Closest hospital utilized.
A determination that diagnosis or treatment was received at the most accessible (closest) hospital available and equipped to furnish the medically necessary care.
(8)
Residential treatment for substance use disorder
—(i)
In general.
Rehabilitative care, to include withdrawal management (detoxification), in an inpatient residential setting of an authorized hospital or substance use disorder rehabilitative facility, whether free-standing or hospital-based, is covered on a residential basis. The medical necessity for the management of withdrawal symptoms must be documented. Any withdrawal management (detoxification) services provided by the substance use disorder rehabilitation facility must be under general medical supervision.
(ii)
Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of residential treatment for substance use disorder.
Residential treatment for substance use disorder will be considered necessary only if all of the following conditions are present:
(A) The patient has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
(B) The patient is experiencing withdrawal symptoms or potential symptoms severe enough to require inpatient care and physician management, or who have less severe symptoms that require 24-hour inpatient monitoring or the patient's addiction-related symptoms, or concomitant physical and emotional/behavioral problems reflect persistent dysfunction in several major life areas.
ubstance use disorder.
(B) The patient is experiencing withdrawal symptoms or potential symptoms severe enough to require inpatient care and physician management, or who have less severe symptoms that require 24-hour inpatient monitoring or the patient's addiction-related symptoms, or concomitant physical and emotional/behavioral problems reflect persistent dysfunction in several major life areas.
(iii)
Services and supplies.
The following services and supplies are included in the per diem rate approved for an authorized residential treatment for substance use disorder.
(A)
Room and board.
Includes use of the residential treatment program facilities such as food service (including special diets), laundry services, supervised therapeutically constructed recreational and social activities, and other general services as considered appropriate by the Director, or a designee.
(B)
Patient assessment.
Includes the assessment of each individual accepted by the facility, and must, at a minimum, consist of a physical examination; psychiatric examination; psychological assessment; assessment of physiological, biological and cognitive processes; case management assessment; developmental assessment; family history and assessment; social history and assessment; educational or vocational history and assessment; environmental assessment; and recreational/activities assessment. Assessments conducted within 30 days prior to admission to a residential treatment program for substance use disorder (SUD) may be used if approved and deemed adequate to permit treatment planning by the residential treatment program for SUD.
(C)
Psychological testing.
Psychological testing is provided based on medical and psychological necessity.
(D)
Treatment services.
All services, supplies, equipment and space necessary to fulfill the requirements of each patient's individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental health services must be provided by a TRICARE authorized individual professional provider of mental health services
)
Psychological testing.
Psychological testing is provided based on medical and psychological necessity.
(D)
Treatment services.
All services, supplies, equipment and space necessary to fulfill the requirements of each patient's individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental health services must be provided by a TRICARE authorized individual professional provider of mental health services. [Exception: Residential treatment programs that employ individuals with master's or doctoral level degrees in a mental health discipline who do not meet the licensure, certification, and experience requirements for a qualified mental health provider but are actively working toward licensure or certification may provide services within the all-inclusive per diem rate, but such individuals must work under the clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental health provider employed by the facility.]
(iv)
Case management required.
The facility must provide case management that helps to assure arrangement of community based support services, referral of suspected child or elder abuse or domestic violence to the appropriate state agencies, and effective after care arrangements, at a minimum.
(v)
Professional mental health benefits.
Professional mental health benefits are billed separately from the residential treatment program per diem rate only when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized mental health professional who is not an employee of, or under contract with, the program for purposes of providing clinical patient care.
(vi)
Non-mental health related medical services.
Separate billing will be allowed for otherwise covered non-mental health related services.
ed separately from the residential treatment program per diem rate only when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized mental health professional who is not an employee of, or under contract with, the program for purposes of providing clinical patient care.
(vi)
Non-mental health related medical services.
Separate billing will be allowed for otherwise covered non-mental health related services.
(9)
Psychiatric and substance use disorder partial hospitalization services
—(i)
In general.
Partial hospitalization services are those services furnished by a TRICARE authorized partial hospitalization program and authorized mental health providers for the active treatment of a mental disorder. All services must follow a medical model and vest patient care under the general direction of a licensed TRICARE authorized physician employed by the partial hospitalization program to ensure medication and physical needs of all the patients are considered. The primary or attending provider must be a TRICARE authorized mental health provider (see paragraph (c)(3)(ix) of this section), operating within the scope of his/her license. These categories include physicians, clinical psychologists, certified psychiatric nurse specialists, clinical social workers, marriage and family counselors, TRICARE certified mental health counselors, pastoral counselors, and supervised mental health counselors. All categories practice independently except pastoral counselors and supervised mental health counselors who must practice under the supervision of TRICARE authorized physicians. Partial hospitalization services and interventions are provided at a high degree of intensity and restrictiveness of care, with medical supervision and medication management. Partial hospitalization services are covered as a basic program benefit only if they are provided in accordance with paragraph (b)(9) of this section
s who must practice under the supervision of TRICARE authorized physicians. Partial hospitalization services and interventions are provided at a high degree of intensity and restrictiveness of care, with medical supervision and medication management. Partial hospitalization services are covered as a basic program benefit only if they are provided in accordance with paragraph (b)(9) of this section. Such programs must enter into a participation agreement with TRICARE; and be accredited and in substantial compliance with the specified standards of an accreditation organization approved by the Director.
(ii)
Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of psychiatric and SUD partial hospitalization services.
Partial hospitalization services will be considered necessary only if all of the following conditions are present:
(A) The patient is suffering significant impairment from a mental disorder (as defined in § 199.2) which interferes with age appropriate functioning or the patient is in need of rehabilitative services for the management of withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, opioids, or stimulants that require medically-monitored ambulatory detoxification, with direct access to medical services and clinically intensive programming of rehabilitative care based on individual treatment plans.
(B) The patient is unable to maintain himself or herself in the community, with appropriate support, at a sufficient level of functioning to permit an adequate course of therapy exclusively on an outpatient basis, to include outpatient treatment program, outpatient office visits, or intensive outpatient services (but is able, with appropriate support, to maintain a basic level of functioning to permit partial hospitalization services and presents no substantial imminent risk of harm to self or others). These patients require medical support; however, they do not require a 24-hour medical environment
basis, to include outpatient treatment program, outpatient office visits, or intensive outpatient services (but is able, with appropriate support, to maintain a basic level of functioning to permit partial hospitalization services and presents no substantial imminent risk of harm to self or others). These patients require medical support; however, they do not require a 24-hour medical environment.
(C) The patient is in need of crisis stabilization, acute symptom reduction, treatment of partially stabilized mental health disorders, or services as a transition from an inpatient program.
(D) The admission into the partial hospitalization program is based on the development of an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan expected to be effective for that patient and permit treatment at a less intensive level.
(iii)
Services and supplies.
The following services and supplies are included in the per diem rate approved for an authorized partial hospitalization program:
(A)
Board.
Includes use of the partial hospital facilities such as food service, supervised therapeutically constructed recreational and social activities, and other general services as considered appropriate by the Director, or a designee.
(B)
Patient assessment.
Includes the assessment of each individual accepted by the facility, and must, at a minimum, consist of a physical examination; psychiatric examination; psychological assessment; assessment of physiological, biological and cognitive processes; case management assessment; developmental assessment; family history and assessment; social history and assessment; educational or vocational history and assessment; environmental assessment; and recreational/activities assessment. Assessments conducted within 30 days prior to admission to a partial program may be used if approved and deemed adequate to permit treatment planning by the partial hospital program.
(C)
Psychological testing. Treatment services
history and assessment; social history and assessment; educational or vocational history and assessment; environmental assessment; and recreational/activities assessment. Assessments conducted within 30 days prior to admission to a partial program may be used if approved and deemed adequate to permit treatment planning by the partial hospital program.
(C)
Psychological testing. Treatment services.
All services, supplies, equipment and space necessary to fulfill the requirements of each patient's individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental health services must be provided by a TRICARE authorized individual professional provider of mental health services. [Exception: partial hospitalization programs that employ individuals with master's or doctoral level degrees in a mental health discipline who do not meet the licensure, certification, and experience requirements for a qualified mental health provider but are actively working toward licensure or certification, may provide services within the all-inclusive per diem rate, but such individuals must work under the clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental health provider employed by the partial hospitalization program.]
(iv)
Case management required.
The facility must provide case management that helps to assure the patient appropriate living arrangements after treatment hours, transportation to and from the facility, arrangement of community based support services, referral of suspected child or elder abuse or domestic violence to the appropriate state agencies, and effective after care arrangements, at a minimum.
v)
Case management required.
The facility must provide case management that helps to assure the patient appropriate living arrangements after treatment hours, transportation to and from the facility, arrangement of community based support services, referral of suspected child or elder abuse or domestic violence to the appropriate state agencies, and effective after care arrangements, at a minimum.
(v)
Educational services required.
Programs treating children and adolescents must ensure the provision of a state certified educational component which assures that patients do not fall behind in educational placement while receiving partial hospital treatment. CHAMPUS will not fund the cost of educational services separately from the per diem rate. The hours devoted to education do not count toward the therapeutic intensive outpatient program or full day program.
(vi)
Family therapy required.
The facility must ensure the provision of an active family therapy treatment component, which assures that each patient and family participate at least weekly in family therapy provided by the institution and rendered by a TRICARE authorized individual professional provider of mental health services. There is no acceptable substitute for family therapy. An exception to this requirement may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Clinical Director, or designee, only if family therapy is clinically contraindicated.
(vii)
Professional mental health benefits.
Professional mental health benefits are billed separately from the partial hospitalization per diem rate only when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized mental health professional who is not an employee of, or under contract with, the partial hospitalization program for purposes of providing clinical patient care.
(viii)
Non-mental health related medical services.
Separate billing will be allowed for otherwise covered, non-mental health related medical services.
l hospitalization per diem rate only when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized mental health professional who is not an employee of, or under contract with, the partial hospitalization program for purposes of providing clinical patient care.
(viii)
Non-mental health related medical services.
Separate billing will be allowed for otherwise covered, non-mental health related medical services.
(10)
Intensive psychiatric and substance use disorder outpatient services
—(i)
In general.
Intensive outpatient services are those services furnished by a TRICARE authorized intensive outpatient program and qualified mental health provider(s) for the active treatment of a mental disorder, to include substance use disorder.
(ii)
Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of intensive outpatient services.
In determining the medical or psychological necessity of intensive outpatient services, the evaluation conducted by the Director, or designee, shall consider the appropriate level of care, based on the patient's clinical needs and characteristics matched to a service's structure and intensity. In addition to the criteria set for this paragraph (b)(10) of this section, additional evaluation standards, consistent with such criteria, may be adopted by the Director, or designee. Treatment in an intensive outpatient setting shall not be considered necessary unless the patient requires care that is more intensive than an outpatient treatment program or outpatient office visits and less intensive than inpatient psychiatric care or a partial hospital program. Intensive outpatient services will be considered necessary only if the following conditions are present:
(A) The patient is suffering significant impairment from a mental disorder, to include a substance use disorder (as defined in § 199.2), which interferes with age appropriate functioning
r outpatient office visits and less intensive than inpatient psychiatric care or a partial hospital program. Intensive outpatient services will be considered necessary only if the following conditions are present:
(A) The patient is suffering significant impairment from a mental disorder, to include a substance use disorder (as defined in § 199.2), which interferes with age appropriate functioning. Patients receiving a higher intensity of treatment may be experiencing moderate to severe instability, exacerbation of severe/persistent disorder, or dangerousness with some risk of confinement. Patients receiving a lower intensity of treatment may be experiencing mild instability with limited dangerousness and low risk for confinement.
(B) The patient is unable to maintain himself or herself in the community, with appropriate support, at a sufficient level of functioning to permit an adequate course of therapy exclusively in an outpatient treatment program or an outpatient office basis (but is able, with appropriate support, to maintain a basic level of functioning to permit a level of intensive outpatient treatment and presents no substantial imminent risk of harm to self or others).
(C) The patient is in need of stabilization, symptom reduction, and prevention of relapse for chronic mental illness. The goal of maintenance of his or her functioning within the community cannot be met by outpatient office visits, but requires active treatment in a stable, staff-supported environment;
(D) The admission into the intensive outpatient program is based on the development of an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan expected to be effective for that patient and permit treatment at a less intensive level.
of maintenance of his or her functioning within the community cannot be met by outpatient office visits, but requires active treatment in a stable, staff-supported environment;
(D) The admission into the intensive outpatient program is based on the development of an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan expected to be effective for that patient and permit treatment at a less intensive level.
(iii)
Services and supplies.
The following services and supplies are included in the per diem rate approved for an authorized intensive outpatient program.
(A)
Patient assessment.
Includes the assessment of each individual accepted by the facility.
(B)
Treatment services.
All services, supplies, equipment, and space necessary to fulfill the requirements of each patient's individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental health services must be provided by a TRICARE authorized individual qualified mental health provider. [Exception: Intensive outpatient programs that employ individuals with master's or doctoral level degrees in a mental health discipline who do not meet the licensure, certification, and experience requirements for a qualified mental health provider but are actively working toward licensure or certification, may provide services within the all-inclusive per diem rate but such individuals must work under the clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental health provider employed by the facility.]
(iv)
Case management.
When appropriate, and with the consent of the person served, the facility should coordinate the care, treatment, or services, including providing coordinated treatment with other services.
provide services within the all-inclusive per diem rate but such individuals must work under the clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental health provider employed by the facility.]
(iv)
Case management.
When appropriate, and with the consent of the person served, the facility should coordinate the care, treatment, or services, including providing coordinated treatment with other services.
(v)
Professional mental health benefits.
Professional mental health benefits are billed separately from the intensive outpatient per diem rate only when rendered by an attending, TRICARE authorized qualified mental health provider who is not an employee of, or under contract with, the program for purposes of providing clinical patient care.
(vi)
Non-mental health related medical services.
Separate billing will be allowed for otherwise covered, non-mental health related medical services.
(11)
Opioid treatment programs
—(i)
In general.
Outpatient treatment and management of withdrawal symptoms for substance use disorder provided at a TRICARE authorized opioid treatment program are covered. If the patient is medically in need of management of withdrawal symptoms, but does not require the personnel or facilities of a general hospital setting, services for management of withdrawal symptoms are covered. The medical necessity for the management of withdrawal symptoms must be documented. Any services to manage withdrawal symptoms provided by the opioid treatment program must be under general medical supervision.
(ii) Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of an opioid treatment program are set forth in 42 CFR part 8.
, services for management of withdrawal symptoms are covered. The medical necessity for the management of withdrawal symptoms must be documented. Any services to manage withdrawal symptoms provided by the opioid treatment program must be under general medical supervision.
(ii) Criteria for determining medical or psychological necessity of an opioid treatment program are set forth in 42 CFR part 8.
(iii)
Services and supplies.
The following services and supplies are included in the reimbursement approved for an authorized opioid treatment program.
(A)
Patient assessment.
Includes the assessment of each individual accepted by the facility.
(B)
Treatment services.
All services, supplies, equipment, and space necessary to fulfill the requirements of each patient's individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. All mental health services must be provided by a TRICARE authorized individual professional provider of mental health services. [Exception: opioid treatment programs that employ individuals with degrees in a mental health discipline who do not meet the licensure, certification, and experience requirements for a qualified mental health provider but work under the clinical supervision of a fully qualified mental health provider employed by the facility.]
(iv)
Case management.
Care, treatment, or services should be coordinated among providers and between settings, independent of whether they are provided directly by the organization or by an organization or by an outside source, so that the individual's needs are addressed in a seamless, synchronized, and timely manner.
ervision of a fully qualified mental health provider employed by the facility.]
(iv)
Case management.
Care, treatment, or services should be coordinated among providers and between settings, independent of whether they are provided directly by the organization or by an organization or by an outside source, so that the individual's needs are addressed in a seamless, synchronized, and timely manner.
(c)
Professional services benefit
—(1)
General.
Benefits may be extended for those covered services described in paragraph (c) of this section that are provided in accordance with good medical practice and established standards of quality by physicians or other authorized individual professional providers, as set forth in § 199.6 of this part. Such benefits are subject to all applicable definitions, conditions, exceptions, limitations, or exclusions as maybe otherwise set forth in this or other Sections of this part. Except as otherwise specifically authorized, to be considered for benefits under paragraph (c) of this section, the described services must be rendered by a physician, or prescribed, ordered, and referred medically by a physician to other authorized individual professional providers. Further, except under specifically defined circumstances, there should be an attending physician in any episode of care. (For example, certain services of a clinical psychologist are exempt from this requirement. For these exceptions, refer to § 199.6.)
t be rendered by a physician, or prescribed, ordered, and referred medically by a physician to other authorized individual professional providers. Further, except under specifically defined circumstances, there should be an attending physician in any episode of care. (For example, certain services of a clinical psychologist are exempt from this requirement. For these exceptions, refer to § 199.6.)
(i)
Billing practices.
To be considered for benefits under paragraph (c) of this section, covered professional services must be performed personally by the physician or other authorized individual professional provider, who is other than a salaried or contractual staff member of a hospital or other authorized institution, and who ordinarily and customarily bills on a fee-for-service basis for professional services rendered. Such billings must be itemized fully and be sufficiently descriptive to permit CHAMPUS to determine whether benefits are authorized by this part. See paragraph (c)(3)(xiii) of this section for the requirements regarding the special circumstances for teaching physicians. For continuing professional care, claims should be submitted to the appropriate CHAMPUS fiscal intermediary at least every 30 days either by the beneficiary or sponsor, or directly by the physician or other authorized individual professional provider on behalf of a beneficiary (refer to § 199.7).
(ii)
Services must be related.
Covered professional services must be rendered in connection with and directly related to a covered diagnosis or definitive set of symptoms requiring medically necessary treatment.
t least every 30 days either by the beneficiary or sponsor, or directly by the physician or other authorized individual professional provider on behalf of a beneficiary (refer to § 199.7).
(ii)
Services must be related.
Covered professional services must be rendered in connection with and directly related to a covered diagnosis or definitive set of symptoms requiring medically necessary treatment.
(iii)
Telehealth services.
Health care services covered by TRICARE and provided through the use of telehealth modalities including telephone services for: telephonic office visits; telephonic consultations; electronic transmission of data or biotelemetry or remote physiologic monitoring services and supplies, are covered services to the same extent as if provided in person at the location of the patient if those services are medically necessary and appropriate for such modalities. The Director will establish special procedures for payment for such services. Additionally, where appropriate, in order to incentive the use of telehealth services, the Director may modify the otherwise applicable beneficiary cost-sharing requirements in paragraph (f) of this section which otherwise apply.
(2)
Covered services of physicians and other authorized profession providers.
(i)
Surgery.
Surgery means operative procedures, including related preoperative and postoperative care; reduction of fractures and dislocations; injection and needling procedures of the joints; laser surgery of the eye; and the following procedures:
Bronchoscopy
Laryngoscopy
Thoracoscopy
Catheterization of the heart
Arteriograph thoracic lumbar
Esophagoscopy
Gastroscopy
Proctoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Peritoneoscopy
Cystoscopy
Colonscopy
Upper G.I
es, including related preoperative and postoperative care; reduction of fractures and dislocations; injection and needling procedures of the joints; laser surgery of the eye; and the following procedures:
Bronchoscopy
Laryngoscopy
Thoracoscopy
Catheterization of the heart
Arteriograph thoracic lumbar
Esophagoscopy
Gastroscopy
Proctoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Peritoneoscopy
Cystoscopy
Colonscopy
Upper G.I. panendoscopy
Encephalograph
Myelography
Discography
Visualization of intracranial aneurysm by intracarotid injection of dye, with exposure of carotid artery, unilateral
Ventriculography
Insufflation of uterus and fallopian tubes for determination of tubal patency (Rubin's test of injection of radiopaque medium or for dilation)
Introduction of opaque media into the cranial arterial system, preliminary to cerebral arteriography, or into vertebral and subclavian systems
Intraspinal introduction of air preliminary to pneumoencephalography
Intraspinal introduction of opaque media preliminary to myelography
Intraventricular introduction of air preliminary to ventriculography
Note:
The Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, shall determine such additional procedures that may fall within the intent of this definition of “surgery.”
(ii)
Surgical assistance.
(iii)
Inpatient medical services.
(iv)
Outpatient medical services.
(v)
Psychiatric services.
(vi)
Consultation services.
(vii)
Anesthesia services.
(viii)
Radiation therapy services.
(ix)
X-ray services.
ventriculography
Note:
The Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, shall determine such additional procedures that may fall within the intent of this definition of “surgery.”
(ii)
Surgical assistance.
(iii)
Inpatient medical services.
(iv)
Outpatient medical services.
(v)
Psychiatric services.
(vi)
Consultation services.
(vii)
Anesthesia services.
(viii)
Radiation therapy services.
(ix)
X-ray services.
(x)
Laboratory and pathological services.
(xi)
Physical medicine services or physiatry services.
(xii)
Maternity care.
(xiii)
Well-child care.
(xiv)
Other medical care.
Other medical care includes, but is not limited to, hemodialysis, inhalation therapy, shock therapy, and chemotherapy. The Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, shall determine those additional medical services for which benefits may be extended under this paragraph.
Note:
A separate professional charge for the oral administration of approved antineoplastic drugs is not covered.
(xv) [Reserved]
(xvi)
Routine eye examinations.
Coverage for routine eye examinations is limited to dependents of active duty members, to one examination per calendar year per person, and to services rendered on or after October 1, 1984, except as provided under paragraph (c)(3)(xi) of this section.
(3)
Extent of professional benefits
—
(i)
Multiple Surgery.
In cases of multiple surgical procedures performed during the same operative session, benefits shall be extended as follows:
(A) One hundred (100) percent of the CHAMPUS-determined allowable charge for the major surgical procedure (the procedure for which the greatest amount is payable under the applicable reimbursement method); and
(B) Fifty (50) percent of the CHAMPUS-determined allowable charge for each of the other surgical procedures;
(C) Except that:
(
1
) If the multiple surgical procedures include an incidental procedure, no benefits shall be allowed for the incidental procedure
arge for the major surgical procedure (the procedure for which the greatest amount is payable under the applicable reimbursement method); and
(B) Fifty (50) percent of the CHAMPUS-determined allowable charge for each of the other surgical procedures;
(C) Except that:
(
1
) If the multiple surgical procedures include an incidental procedure, no benefits shall be allowed for the incidental procedure.
(
2
) If the multiple surgical procedures involve specific procedures identified by the Director, OCHAMPUS, benefits shall be limited as set forth in CHAMPUS instructions.
(ii)
Different types of inpatient care, concurrent.
If a beneficiary receives inpatient medical care during the same admission in which he or she also receives surgical care or maternity care, the beneficiary shall be entitled to the greater of the CHAMPUS-determined allowable charge for either the inpatient medical care or surgical or maternity care received, as the case may be, but not both; except that the provisions of this paragraph (c)(3)(ii) shall not apply if such inpatient medical care is for a diagnosed condition requiring inpatient medical care not related to the condition for which surgical care or maternity care is received, and is received from a physician other than the one rendering the surgical care or maternity care.
Note:
This provision is not meant to imply that when extra time and special effort are required due to postsurgical or postdelivery complications, the attending physician may not request special consideration for a higher than usual charge.
ition for which surgical care or maternity care is received, and is received from a physician other than the one rendering the surgical care or maternity care.
Note:
This provision is not meant to imply that when extra time and special effort are required due to postsurgical or postdelivery complications, the attending physician may not request special consideration for a higher than usual charge.
(iii)
Need for surgical assistance.
Surgical assistance is payable only when the complexity of the procedure warrants a surgical assistant (other than the surgical nurse or other such operating room personnel), subject to utilization review. In order for benefits to be extended for surgical assistance service, the primary surgeon may be required to certify in writing to the nonavailability of a qualified intern, resident, or other house physician. When a claim is received for a surgical assistant involving the following circumstances, special review is required to ascertain whether the surgical assistance service meets the medical necessity and other requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.
(A) If the surgical assistance occurred in a hospital that has a residency program in a specialty appropriate to the surgery;
(B) If the surgery was performed by a team of surgeons;
(C) If there were multiple surgical assistants; or
(D) If the surgical assistant was a partner of or from the same group of practicing physicians as the attending surgeon.
(iv)
Aftercare following surgery.
Except for those diagnostic procedures classified as surgery in paragraph (c) of this section, and injection and needling procedures involving the joints, the benefit payments made for surgery (regardless of the setting in which it is rendered) include normal aftercare, whether the aftercare is billed for by the physician or other authorized individual professional provider on a global, all-inclusive basis, or billed for separately.
es classified as surgery in paragraph (c) of this section, and injection and needling procedures involving the joints, the benefit payments made for surgery (regardless of the setting in which it is rendered) include normal aftercare, whether the aftercare is billed for by the physician or other authorized individual professional provider on a global, all-inclusive basis, or billed for separately.
(v)
Cast and sutures, removal.
The benefit payments made for the application of a cast or of sutures normally covers the postoperative care including the removal of the cast or sutures. When the application is made in one geographical location and the removal of the cast or sutures must be done in another geographical location, a separate benefit payment may be provided for the removal. The intent of this provision is to provide a separate benefit only when it is impracticable for the beneficiary to use the services of the provider that applied the cast originally. Benefits are not available for the services of a second provider if those services reasonably could have been rendered by the individual professional provider who applied the cast or sutures initially.
(vi)
Inpatient care, concurrent.
Concurrent inpatient care by more than one individual professional provider is covered if required because of the severity and complexity of the beneficiary's condition or because the beneficiary has multiple conditions that require treatment by providers of different specialties. Any claim for concurrent care must be reviewed before extending benefits in order to ascertain the condition of the beneficiary at the time the concurrent care was rendered. In the absence of such determination, benefits are payable only for inpatient care rendered by one attending physician or other authorized individual professional provider.
uire treatment by providers of different specialties. Any claim for concurrent care must be reviewed before extending benefits in order to ascertain the condition of the beneficiary at the time the concurrent care was rendered. In the absence of such determination, benefits are payable only for inpatient care rendered by one attending physician or other authorized individual professional provider.
(vii)
Consultants who become the attending surgeon.
A consultation performed within 3 days of surgery by the attending physician is considered a preoperative examination. Preoperative examinations are an integral part of the surgery and a separate benefit is not payable for the consultation. If more than 3 days elapse between the consultation and surgery (performed by the same physician), benefits may be extended for the consultation, subject to review.
(viii)
Anesthesia administered by the attending physician.
A separate benefit is not payable for anesthesia administered by the attending physician (surgeon or obstetrician) or dentist, or by the surgical, obstetrical, or dental assistant.
(ix)
Treatment of mental disorders, to include substance use disorder.
In order to qualify for CHAMPUS mental health benefits, the patient must be diagnosed by a TRICARE authorized qualified mental health professional practicing within the scope of his or her license to be suffering from a mental disorder, as defined in § 199.2
(A)
Covered diagnostic and therapeutic services.
CHAMPUS benefits are payable for the following services when rendered in the diagnosis or treatment of a covered mental disorder by a TRICARE authorized qualified mental health provider practicing within the scope of his or her license
nal practicing within the scope of his or her license to be suffering from a mental disorder, as defined in § 199.2
(A)
Covered diagnostic and therapeutic services.
CHAMPUS benefits are payable for the following services when rendered in the diagnosis or treatment of a covered mental disorder by a TRICARE authorized qualified mental health provider practicing within the scope of his or her license. Qualified mental health providers are: Psychiatrists or other physicians; clinical psychologists, certified psychiatric nurse specialists, certified clinical social workers, certified marriage and family therapists, TRICARE certified mental health counselors, pastoral counselors under a physician's supervision, and supervised mental health counselors under a physician's supervision.
(
1
)
Individual psychotherapy, adult or child.
A covered individual psychotherapy session is no more than 60 minutes in length. An individual psychotherapy session of up to 120 minutes in length is payable for crisis intervention.
(
2
)
Group psychotherapy.
A covered group psychotherapy session is no more than 90 minutes in length.
(
3
)
Family or conjoint psychotherapy.
A covered family or conjoint psychotherapy session is no more than 90 minutes in length. A family or conjoint psychotherapy session of up to 180 minutes in length is payable for crisis intervention.
(
4
)
Psychoanalysis.
Psychoanalysis is covered when provided by a graduate or candidate of a psychoanalytic training institution recognized by the American Psychoanalytic Association and when preauthorized by the Director, or a designee.
(
5
)
Psychological testing and assessment.
Psychological testing and assessment is covered when medically or psychologically necessary. Psychological testing and assessment performed as part of an assessment for academic placement are not covered.
(
6
)
Administration of psychotropic drugs.
When prescribed by an authorized provider qualified by licensure to prescribe drugs.
(
7
)
Electroconvulsive treatment
ological testing and assessment.
Psychological testing and assessment is covered when medically or psychologically necessary. Psychological testing and assessment performed as part of an assessment for academic placement are not covered.
(
6
)
Administration of psychotropic drugs.
When prescribed by an authorized provider qualified by licensure to prescribe drugs.
(
7
)
Electroconvulsive treatment.
When provided in accordance with guidelines issued by the Director.
(
8
)
Collateral visits.
Covered collateral visits are those that are medically or psychologically necessary for the treatment of the patient.
(
9
)
Medication assisted treatment.
Medication assisted treatment, combining pharmacotherapy and holistic care, to include provision in office-based opioid treatment by an authorized TRICARE provider, is covered. The practice of an individual physician in office-based treatment is regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services' 42 CFR 8.12,

the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with individual state and local regulations.
(B)
Therapeutic settings
—(
1
)
Outpatient psychotherapy.
Outpatient psychotherapy generally is covered for individual, family, conjoint, collateral, and/or group sessions.
(
2
)
Inpatient psychotherapy.
Coverage of inpatient psychotherapy is based on medical or psychological necessity for the services identified in the patient's treatment plan.
(C)
Covered ancillary therapies.
Includes art, music, dance, occupational, and other ancillary therapies, when included by the attending provider in an approved inpatient, SUDRF, residential treatment, partial hospital, or intensive outpatient program treatment plan and under the clinical supervision of a qualified mental health professional. These ancillary therapies are not separately reimbursed professional services but are included within the institutional reimbursement.
(D)
Review of claims for treatment of mental disorder
ing provider in an approved inpatient, SUDRF, residential treatment, partial hospital, or intensive outpatient program treatment plan and under the clinical supervision of a qualified mental health professional. These ancillary therapies are not separately reimbursed professional services but are included within the institutional reimbursement.
(D)
Review of claims for treatment of mental disorder.
The Director shall establish and maintain procedures for review, including professional review, of the services provided for the treatment of mental disorders.
(x)
Physical and occupational therapy.
Assessment and treatment services of a CHAMPUS-authorized physical or occupational therapist may be cost-shared when:
(A) The services are prescribed and monitored by a physician, certified physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (Podiatrist) acting within the scope of their license.
(B) The purpose of the prescription is to reduce the disabling effects of an illness, injury, or neuromuscular disorder; and
(C) The prescribed treatment increases, stabilizes, or slows the deterioration of the beneficiary's ability to perform specified purposeful activity in the manner, or within the range considered normal, for a human being.
(xi)
Well-child care.
Benefits routinely are covered for well-child care from birth to under six years of age. These periodic health examinations are designed for prevention, early detection and treatment of disease and consist of screening procedures, immunizations and risk counseling.
(A) The following services are covered when required as a part of the specific well-child care program and when rendered by the attending pediatrician, family physician, certified nurse practitioner, or certified physician assistant.
(
1
) Newborn examination, heredity and metabolic screening, and newborn circumcision
disease and consist of screening procedures, immunizations and risk counseling.
(A) The following services are covered when required as a part of the specific well-child care program and when rendered by the attending pediatrician, family physician, certified nurse practitioner, or certified physician assistant.
(
1
) Newborn examination, heredity and metabolic screening, and newborn circumcision.
(
2
) Periodic health supervision visits, in accordance with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, intended to promote the optimal health for infants and children to include the following services:
(
i
) History and physical examination and mental health assessment.
(
ii
) Vision, hearing, and dental screening.
(
iii
) Developmental appraisal to include body measurement.
(
iv
) Immunizations as recommenced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
(
v
) Pediatric risk assessment for lead exposure and blood lead level test.
(
vi
) Tuberculosis screening.
(
vii
) Blood pressure screening.
(
viii
) Measurement of hemoglobin and hematocrit for anemia.
(
ix
) Urinalysis.
(
x
) Health guidance and counseling, including breastfeeding and nutrition counseling.
(B) Additional services or visits required because of specific findings or because the particular circumstances of the individual case are covered if medically necessary and otherwise authorized for benefits under CHAMPUS.
(C) The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Services Financing, will determine when such services are separately reimbursable apart from the health supervision visit.
(xii) [Reserved]
ervices or visits required because of specific findings or because the particular circumstances of the individual case are covered if medically necessary and otherwise authorized for benefits under CHAMPUS.
(C) The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Services Financing, will determine when such services are separately reimbursable apart from the health supervision visit.
(xii) [Reserved]
(xiii)
Physicians in a teaching setting.
(A)
Teaching physicians.
(
1
)
General.
The services of teaching physicians may be reimbursed on an allowable charge basis only when the teaching physician has established an attending physician relationship between the teaching physician and the patient or when the teaching physician provides distinct, identifiable, personal services (e.g., services rendered as a consultant, assistant surgeon, etc.). Attending physician services may include both direct patient care services or direct supervision of care provided by a physician in training. In order to be considered an attending physician, the teaching physician must:
(
i
) Review the patient's history and the record of examinations and tests in the institution, and make frequent reviews of the patient's progress; and
(
ii
) Personally examine the patient; and
(
iiii
) Confirm or revise the diagnosis and determine the course of treatment to be followed; and
(
iv
) Either perform the physician's services required by the patient or supervise the treatment so as to assure that appropriate services are provided by physicians in training and that the care meets a proper quality level; and
(
v
) Be present and ready to perform any service performed by an attending physician in a nonteaching setting when a major surgical procedure or a complex or dangerous medical procedure is performed; and
(
vi
) Be personally responsible for the patient's care, at least throughout the period of hospitalization.
(
2
)
Direct supervision by an attending physician of care provided by physicians in training
Be present and ready to perform any service performed by an attending physician in a nonteaching setting when a major surgical procedure or a complex or dangerous medical procedure is performed; and
(
vi
) Be personally responsible for the patient's care, at least throughout the period of hospitalization.
(
2
)
Direct supervision by an attending physician of care provided by physicians in training.
Payment on the basis of allowable charges may be made for the professional services rendered to a beneficiary by his/her attending physician when the attending physician provides personal and identifiable direction to physicians in training who are participating in the care of the patient. It is not necessary that the attending physician be personally present for all services, but the attending physician must be on the provider's premises and available to provide immediate personal assistance and direction if needed.
(
3
)
Individual, personal services.
A teaching physician may be reimbursed on an allowable charge basis for any individual, identifiable service rendered to a CHAMPUS beneficiary, so long as the service is a covered service and is normally reimbursed separately, and so long as the patient records substantiate the service.
(
4
)
Who may bill.
The services of a teaching physician must be billed by the institutional provider when the physician is employed by the provider or a related entity or under a contract which provides for payment to the physician by the provider or a related entity. Where the teaching physician has no relationship with the provider (except for standard physician privileges to admit patients) and generally treats patients on a fee-for-service basis in the private sector, the teaching physician may submit claims under his/her own provider number.
(B)
Physicians in training
contract which provides for payment to the physician by the provider or a related entity. Where the teaching physician has no relationship with the provider (except for standard physician privileges to admit patients) and generally treats patients on a fee-for-service basis in the private sector, the teaching physician may submit claims under his/her own provider number.
(B)
Physicians in training.
Physicians in training in an approved teaching program are considered to be “students” and may not be reimbursed directly by CHAMPUS for services rendered to a beneficiary when their services are provided as part of their employment (either salaried or contractual) by a hospital or other institutional provider. Services of physicians in training may be reimbursed on an allowable charge basis only if:
(
1
) The physician in training is fully licensed to practice medicine by the state in which the services are performed, and
(
2
) The services are rendered outside the scope and requirements of the approved training program to which the physician in training is assigned.
(d)
Other benefits
—(1) General. Benefits may be extended for the allowable charge of those other covered services and supplies described in paragraph (d) of this section, which are provided in accordance with good medical practice and established standards of quality by those other authorized providers described in § 199.6. Such benefits are subject to all applicable definitions, conditions, limitations, or exclusions as otherwise may be set forth in this or other chapters of this Regulation. To be considered for benefits under paragraph (d) of this section, the described services or supplies must be prescribed and ordered by a physician. Other authorized individual professional providers acting within their scope of licensure may also prescribe and order these services and supplies unless otherwise specified in paragraph (d) of this section.
this or other chapters of this Regulation. To be considered for benefits under paragraph (d) of this section, the described services or supplies must be prescribed and ordered by a physician. Other authorized individual professional providers acting within their scope of licensure may also prescribe and order these services and supplies unless otherwise specified in paragraph (d) of this section.
(2)
Billing practices.
To be considered for benefits under paragraph (d) of this section, covered services and supplies must be provided and billed for by an authorized provider as set forth in § 199.6 of this part. Such billing must be itemized fully and described sufficiently, even when CHAMPUS payment is determined under the CHAMPUS DRG-based payment system, so that CHAMPUS can determine whether benefits are authorized by this part. Except for claims subject to the CHAMPUS DRG-based payment system, whenever continuing charges are involved, claims should be submitted to the appropriate CHAMPUS fiscal intermediary at least every 30 days (monthly) either by the beneficiary or sponsor or directly by the provider. For claims subject to the CHAMPUS DRG-based payment system, claims may be submitted only after the beneficiary has been discharged or transferred from the hospital.
(3)
Other covered services and supplies
—(i)
Blood.
If whole blood or plasma (or its derivatives) are provided and billed for by an authorized institution in connection with covered treatment, benefits are extended as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. If blood is billed for directly to a beneficiary, benefits may be extended under paragraph (d) in the same manner as a medical supply.
al.
(3)
Other covered services and supplies
—(i)
Blood.
If whole blood or plasma (or its derivatives) are provided and billed for by an authorized institution in connection with covered treatment, benefits are extended as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. If blood is billed for directly to a beneficiary, benefits may be extended under paragraph (d) in the same manner as a medical supply.
(ii)
Durable equipment
—(A) Scope of benefit. (
1
) Durable equipment, which is for the specific use of the beneficiary and is ordered by an authorized individual professional provider listed in § 199.6(c)(3)(i), (ii) or (iii), acting within his or her scope of licensure shall be covered if the durable equipment meets the definition in § 199.2 and—
(
i
) Provides the medically appropriate level of performance and quality for the medical condition present and
(
ii
) Is not otherwise excluded by this part.
(
2
) Items that may be provided to a beneficiary as durable equipment include:
(
i
) Durable medical equipment as defined in § 199.2;
(
ii
)
Wheelchairs.
A wheelchair, which is medically appropriate to provide basic mobility, including reasonable additional costs for medically appropriate modifications to accommodate a particular physiological or medical need, may be covered as durable equipment. An electric wheelchair, or TRICARE approved alternative to an electric wheelchair (
e.g.,
scooter) may be provided in lieu of a manual wheelchair when it is medically indicated and appropriate to provide basic mobility. Luxury or deluxe wheelchairs, as described in paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(A)(
3
) of this section, include features beyond those required for basic mobility of a particular beneficiary are not authorized.
(
iii
) Iron lungs.
(
iv
) Hospital beds.
(
v
) Cardiorespiratory monitors under conditions specified in paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(B) of this section
ally indicated and appropriate to provide basic mobility. Luxury or deluxe wheelchairs, as described in paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(A)(
3
) of this section, include features beyond those required for basic mobility of a particular beneficiary are not authorized.
(
iii
) Iron lungs.
(
iv
) Hospital beds.
(
v
) Cardiorespiratory monitors under conditions specified in paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(B) of this section.
(
3
) Whether a prescribed item of durable equipment provides the medically appropriate level of performance and quality for the beneficiary's condition must be supported by adequate documentation. Luxury, deluxe, immaterial, or non- essential features, which increase the cost of the item relative to a similar item without those features, based on industry standards for a particular item at the time the equipment is prescribed or replaced for a beneficiary, are not authorized. Only the “base” or “basic” model of equipment (or more cost- effective alternative equipment) shall be covered, unless customization of the equipment, or any accessory or item of supply for any durable medical equipment, is essential, as determined by the Director (or designee), for—
(
i
) Achieving therapeutic benefit for the patient;
(
ii
) Making the equipment serviceable; or
(
iii
) Otherwise assuring the proper functioning of the equipment.
(B)
Cardiorespiratory monitor exception.
(
1
) When prescribed by a physician who is otherwise eligible as a CHAMPUS individual professional provider, or who is on active duty with a United States Uniformed Service, an electronic cardiorespiratory monitor, including technical support necessary for the proper use of the monitor, may be cost-shared as durable medical equipment when supervised by the prescribing physician for in-home use by:
(
i
) An infant beneficiary who has had an apparent life-threatening event, as defined in guidelines issued by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, or
(
ii
) An infant beneficiary who is a subsequent or multiple birth biological sibling of a victim of sudden infant dea
of the monitor, may be cost-shared as durable medical equipment when supervised by the prescribing physician for in-home use by:
(
i
) An infant beneficiary who has had an apparent life-threatening event, as defined in guidelines issued by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, or
(
ii
) An infant beneficiary who is a subsequent or multiple birth biological sibling of a victim of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or
(
iii
) An infant beneficiary whose birth weight was 1,500 grams or less, or
(
iv
) An infant beneficiary who is a pre-term infant with pathologic apnea, as defined in guidelines issued by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, or
(
v
) Any beneficiary who has a condition or suspected condition designated in guidelines issued by the Director, OCHAMPUS, or a designee, for which the in-home use of the cardiorespiratory monitor otherwise meets Basic Program requirements.
(
2
) The following types of services and items may be cost-shared when provided in conjunction with an otherwise authorized cardiorespiratory monitor:
(
i
) Trend-event recorder, including technical support necessary for the proper use of the recorder.
(
ii
) Analysis of recorded physiological data associated with monitor alarms.
(
iii
) Professional visits for services otherwise authorized by this part, and for family training on how to respond to an apparent life threatening event.
(
iv
) Diagnostic testing otherwise authorized by this part.
(C)
Exclusions.
Durable equipment, which is otherwise qualified as a benefit is excluded from coverage under the following circumstances:
(
1
) Durable equipment for a beneficiary who is a patient in a type of facility that ordinarily provides the same type of durable equipment item to its patients at no additional charge in the usual course of providing its services.
(
2
) Durable equipment, which is available to the beneficiary from a Uniformed Services Medical Treatment Facility.
(D)
Basis for reimbursement.
(
1
) Durable equipment may be provided on a rental or purchase basis
a patient in a type of facility that ordinarily provides the same type of durable equipment item to its patients at no additional charge in the usual course of providing its services.
(
2
) Durable equipment, which is available to the beneficiary from a Uniformed Services Medical Treatment Facility.
(D)
Basis for reimbursement.
(
1
) Durable equipment may be provided on a rental or purchase basis. Coverage of durable equipment will be based on the price most advantageous to the government taking into consideration the anticipated duration of the medically necessary need for the equipment and current price information for the type of item. The cost analysis must include a comparison of the total price of the item as a monthly rental charge, a lease-purchase price, and a lump-sum purchase price and a provision for the time value of money at the rate determined by the U.S. Department of Treasury. If a beneficiary wishes to obtain an item of durable equipment with deluxe, luxury, immaterial or non-essential features, the beneficiary may agree to accept TRICARE coverage limited to the allowable amount that would have otherwise been authorized for a similar item without those features. In that case, the TRICARE coverage is based upon the allowable amount for the kind of durable equipment normally used to meet the intended purpose (
i.e.,
the standard item least costly). The provider shall not hold the beneficiary liable for deluxe, luxury, immaterial, or non- essential features that cannot be considered in determining the TRICARE allowable costs. However, the beneficiary shall be held liable if the provider has a specific agreement in writing from the beneficiary (or his or her representative) accepting liability for the itemized difference in costs of the durable equipment with deluxe, luxury, or immaterial features and the TRICARE allowable costs for an otherwise authorized item without such features
ermining the TRICARE allowable costs. However, the beneficiary shall be held liable if the provider has a specific agreement in writing from the beneficiary (or his or her representative) accepting liability for the itemized difference in costs of the durable equipment with deluxe, luxury, or immaterial features and the TRICARE allowable costs for an otherwise authorized item without such features.
(
2
) In general, repairs of beneficiary owned durable equipment are covered when necessary to make the equipment serviceable and replacement of durable equipment is allowed when the durable equipment is not serviceable because of normal wear, accidental damage or when necessitated by a change in the beneficiary's condition. However, repairs of durable equipment damaged while using the equipment in a manner inconsistent with its common use, and replacement of lost or stolen rental durable equipment are excluded from coverage. In addition, repairs of deluxe, luxury, or immaterial features of durable equipment are excluded from coverage.
(iii)
Medical supplies and dressings (consumables)
—(A)
In general.
In general, medical supplies and dressings (consumables) are those that do not withstand prolonged, repeated use. Such items must be related directly to an appropriate and verified covered medical condition of the specific beneficiary for whom the item was purchased and obtained from a medical supply company, a pharmacy, or authorized institutional provider. Examples of covered medical supplies and dressings are disposable syringes for a known diabetic, colostomy sets, irrigation sets, and elastic bandages. An external surgical garment specifically designed for use follow a mastectomy is considered a medical supply item.
Note 1 to paragraph (
d
)(3)(
iii
)(A):
Generally, the allowable charge of a medical supply item will be under $100. Any item over this amount must be reviewed to determine whether it would qualify as a DME item
a known diabetic, colostomy sets, irrigation sets, and elastic bandages. An external surgical garment specifically designed for use follow a mastectomy is considered a medical supply item.
Note 1 to paragraph (
d
)(3)(
iii
)(A):
Generally, the allowable charge of a medical supply item will be under $100. Any item over this amount must be reviewed to determine whether it would qualify as a DME item. If it is, in fact, a medical supply item and does not represent an excessive charge, it can be considered for benefits under paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this section.
(B)
Medically necessary food and medical equipment and supplies necessary to administer such food (other than durable medical equipment and supplies) when prescribed for dietary management of a covered disease or condition.
(
1
) Medically necessary food, including a low protein modified food product or an amino acid preparation product, may be covered when:
(
i
) Furnished pursuant to the prescription, order, or recommendation of a TRICARE authorized provider acting within the provider's scope of license/certificate of practice, for the dietary management of a covered disease or condition;
(
ii
) Is a specifically formulated and processed product (as opposed to a naturally occurring foodstuff used in its natural state) for the partial or exclusive feeding of an individual by means of oral intake or enteral feeding by tube;
(
iii
) Is intended for the dietary management of an individual who, because of therapeutic or chronic medical needs, has limited or impaired capacity to ingest, digest, absorb, or metabolize ordinary foodstuffs or certain nutrients, or who has other special medically determined nutrient requirements, the dietary management of which cannot be achieved by the modification of the normal diet alone;
(
iv
) Is intended to be used under medical supervision, which may include in a home setting; and
(
v
) Is intended only for an individual receiving active and ongoing medical supervision under which the individual requires medical care on a recu
ther special medically determined nutrient requirements, the dietary management of which cannot be achieved by the modification of the normal diet alone;
(
iv
) Is intended to be used under medical supervision, which may include in a home setting; and
(
v
) Is intended only for an individual receiving active and ongoing medical supervision under which the individual requires medical care on a recurring basis for, among other things, instructions on the use of the food.
(
2
) Medically necessary food does not include:
(
i
) Food taken as part of an overall diet designed to reduce the risk of a disease or medical condition or as weight-loss products, even if the food is recommended by a physician or other health care professional;
(
ii
) Food marketed as gluten-free for the management of celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity;
(
iii
) Food marketed for the management of diabetes; or
(
iv
) Such other products as the Director, Defense Health Agency determines appropriate.
(
3
) Covered disease or condition under paragraph (d)(3)(iii)(B) of this section means:
(
i
) Inborn errors of metabolism;
(
ii
) Medical conditions of malabsorption;
(
iii
) Pathologies of the alimentary tract or the gastrointestinal tract;
(
iv
) A neurological or physiological condition; and
(
v
) Such other diseases or conditions the Director, Defense Health Agency determines appropriate.
(iv)
Ox

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## Nearby sections

- [32 C.F.R. § 199.1 (2026) § 199.1   General provisions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_1.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.2 (2026) § 199.2   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_2.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.3 (2026) § 199.3   Eligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_3.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.4 (2026) § 199.4   Basic program benefits.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_4.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.5 (2026) § 199.5   TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_5.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.6 (2026) § 199.6   TRICARE—authorized providers.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_6.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.7 (2026) § 199.7   Claims submission, review, and payment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_7.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.8 (2026) § 199.8   Double coverage.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_8.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.9 (2026) § 199.9   Administrative remedies for fraud, abuse, and conflict of interest.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_9.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.10 (2026) § 199.10   Appeal and hearing procedures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_10.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.11 (2026) § 199.11   Overpayments recovery.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_11.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.12 (2026) § 199.12   Third party recoveries.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_12.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.13 (2026) § 199.13   TRICARE Dental Program.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_13.md)
- [32 C.F.R. § 199.14 (2026) § 199.14   Provider reimbursement methods.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T32_P199_S199_4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.