TRICARE’S Web-Based Mental Health Initiatives

1. TRICARE’S Web-Based Mental Health Initiatives August 3, 2009 1

2. Background • DoD Appropriations Act for FY 2009 Joint Explanatory Statement encouraged Web-based mental health care • TMA legal and medical rulings issued Friday, May 29, 2009 • What we can do TRICARE Assistance Program Video Chat between beneficiary and counselor Telemedicine Network Development MCSCs asked to develop networks TRICARE: Web-Based Mental Health Initiatives

3. TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) • Eligibles include ADSMs, ADFMs, TAMP-eligibles, and those enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select in United States • Counselors provide short-term, problem solving counseling • Clinical aspect to counseling but no diagnosis made • Services provided using demonstration project authority • Reports include beneficiary visits and mental health v-codes TRICARE: Web-Based Mental Health Initiatives

4. Telemedicine Network Development • Currently a TRICARE-authorized benefit • Originating Site and distant provider development for mental health care • Originating Sites are TRICARE-authorized facilities where beneficiaries go to receive care • Distant providers are TRICARE-authorized providers who treat the beneficiary from their office • Originating sites and distant providers will file claims and receive reimbursement TRICARE: Web-Based Mental Health Initiatives

5. Implementation • June 1 Change Order provided initial requirement to contractor • July 2 Change Order further clarified requirements • July 24 Demonstration Notice published in the Federal Register • August 1 TRIAP operational in all regions • 251 telemedicine originating sites have been identified, additional network development is ongoing TRICARE: Web-Based Mental Health Initiatives