What should a beneficiary do in case of a medical emergency?

In the event of a medical emergency, the beneficiary should seek immediate care at the nearest emergency facility. This approach ensures that they receive prompt medical attention, which is crucial in life-threatening situations. Emergency facilities are equipped to handle critical conditions and can provide the necessary treatment without delay.

While options involving contacting a TRICARE regional contractor or waiting for direction from a primary care physician might seem sensible in non-emergency situations, they could significantly delay care in an actual emergency. Similarly, while urgent care centers can be appropriate for less critical issues, they may not have the comprehensive resources available at emergency facilities to handle severe medical emergencies. Thus, the priority in such scenarios is to receive immediate and appropriate medical treatment, making seeking care at the nearest emergency facility the correct course of action.