UnitedHealthcare, TRICARE Expediting Referrals Published May 22, 2013 By 412th Medical Group EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans began serving the TRICARE West Region April 1, 2013. Since then, some beneficiaries and providers have experienced service problems relating to an increase in the volume and delays in processing referral and care authorizations. UnitedHealthcare apologizes for any delay in services that TRICARE beneficiaries and providers are experiencing as a result of these challenges. The company understands the issues that need improvement and is taking aggressive and immediate actions to expedite processing of the referrals. Effective immediately, referrals submitted by 412th Medical Group providers between April 1 and June 18, 2013 are authorized treatment in the TRICARE network without an authorization. When a provider determines the need for a medical referral to an off-base provider, enrollees need to stop by the 412th MDG Referral Management Center for assistance in booking appointments with a TRICARE network provider. Additionally, enrollees will be given a paper copy of their referral and the UnitedHealthcare waiver letter authorizing care. Please call the Referral Management Center at (661) 275-2259, if you have questions. UnitedHealthcare is committing the full resources of the company - at all levels and in all areas - to provide beneficiaries, providers, and Military Treatment Facilities with high-quality service and support. Thank you for your patience. We will continue to keep you updated as we work to address these issues. More information can be found at www.uhcmilitarywest.com.