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New Arrivals at Fort Irwin — TRICARE Quick Start Guide

 

Welcome to Fort Irwin!

Getting set up with healthcare is one of your first priorities. Follow these steps to ensure you and your family have full TRICARE coverage from day one.
 

Step-by-Step: Get Set Up in 5 Steps

Step 1: Verify DEERS Information

  • Confirm your address, family members, and sponsor info are current in DEERS
  • Update online at milConnect or find an ID card office at idco.dmdc.osd.mil
  • Active duty: Ensure your UIC is correct

Step 2: Enroll in TRICARE Prime

  • Online (fastest): Go to milConnect → "Manage Health Benefits"
  • By phone: Call TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378)
  • Make sure your residential address shows within 100 miles of Fort Irwin
  • Active duty members are automatically enrolled at WACH

Step 3: Receive Your PCM Assignment

  • Your Primary Care Manager (PCM) is assigned based on your location and availability
  • To check your PCM: log in to MHS Genesis Patient Portal → "View Patient Information/PCM" → scroll to "Medical Contacts"

Step 4: Register with the WACH Pharmacy

  • Bring your military ID to the WACH outpatient pharmacy
  • Transfer existing prescriptions or bring copies of current medications
  • Refill prescriptions online via MHS Genesis Patient Portal
  • Home delivery available through Express Scripts

Step 5: Schedule Your First Appointment

  • Call the WACH Appointment Line: 866-957-9224
  • For after-hours health questions: Nurse Advice Line 800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1
 

Key Phone Numbers

Need Contact Number
Schedule an appointment WACH Appointment Line 866-957-9224
Enrollment/PCM changes TriWest 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378)
After-hours health questions Nurse Advice Line 800-TRICARE (874-2273), Opt 1
Patient concerns Patient Advocate 760-383-5099
JVTMC PCM questions Managed Care 760-383-5482
 

Key Links

 

Important Reminders

  • As of July 1, 2025, TRICARE Prime beneficiaries need a referral from their PCM for specialty care outside the MTF
  • Register newborns in DEERS within 90 days of birth
  • Keep your address current in DEERS — it affects your PCM assignment and eligibility
  • Create a TriWest Beneficiary Portal account to track referrals and claims online
 

Choosing a Primary Care Manager (PCM)

 

Not sure which provider to choose? Here's our list providers as of June 2026:

11 ACR (JVTMC) Providers: only for 11 ACR Active Duty Soldiers 

Regimental Surgeon:  

  • LTC Samuel Tahk, MD ***** all Squadrons can book with Reg Surgeon*****  
1/11:
  • CPT Chase Blankenship, DO
  • CPT Youngkwan Ko, PA-C 

2/11:  

  • CPT Crystal Donders, DO 
  • CPT Moira McCormack, PA-C  
RSS: 
  • Vacant - Book with any provider

All Other Units & Dependents 

Primary Care Clinic Providers:  

  • CPT Kevin Choe, DO (0-17 only) 
  • CPT Austin Ridgeway, DO (0-17 only)
  • CPT Sarah Contrerasortiz, MD (adults & children, speaks Spanish) 
  • CPT Kai Combs, MD (adults, children)  
  • CPT Laura Connolly, DO (adults, children) 
  • CPT Teea Bunker, DO (adults only)  
  • CPT Heesoo Soh, PA-C (1916th Flight Provider, priority goes to Soldiers in his unit, adults only) 
  • Robert Medina, PA-C (only children over 1 month of age or older, speaks Spanish) 
 

Newborn Enrollment — 90-Day Checklist

The clock starts at birth, not when you receive the birth certificate. Act now.

The 90-Day Rule

You must register your newborn in DEERS within 90 days of birth (stateside). If you miss this deadline:
  • Your child loses TRICARE eligibility on day 91
  • All claims for your child will be denied starting that day
  • You will be responsible for the full cost of any care received after day 91

 

Do not wait for the birth certificate to arrive. Start the process immediately.

Timeline: What to Do and When

Days 1-14: Register in DEERS

  • Obtain a certified birth certificate (hospital or county vital records)
  • Bring to the nearest ID card office with:
    • Certified birth certificate
    • Sponsor's military ID (CAC)
    • Sponsor's Social Security Number
  • Register the newborn in DEERS

Days 14-30: Enroll in TRICARE Prime

Your newborn may not be automatically enrolled in TRICARE Prime. After DEERS registration:
  • Go to milConnect → "Manage Health Benefits" OR
  • Call TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378)
  • Confirm enrollment is complete and a PCM is assigned

Days 30-60: First Well-Child Visit

  • Schedule your baby's first well-child appointment with assigned PCM
  • Call WACH Appointment Line: 866-957-9224

Day 90: DEADLINE

  • If not registered by now, coverage is lost
  • No extensions or exceptions
 

Required Documents Summary

Document Where to Get It
Certified birth certificate Hospital or county vital records
Sponsor's military ID (CAC) Already have
Sponsor's SSN Already have

What If I Can't Get the Birth Certificate in Time?

  • Some states take weeks to issue certified birth certificates
  • Start the DEERS process as soon as you have any documentation
  • Contact your ID card office about what interim documents they can accept
  • Do not wait for the official certificate if it is delayed
 

Key Contacts

Need Contact Number/Link
DEERS registration ID Card Office idco.dmdc.osd.mil
TRICARE enrollment TriWest 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378)
TRICARE enrollment (online) milConnect milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil
Schedule baby's first visit WACH Appointment Line 866-957-9224
 

More Information

Contact Us

Phone

Appointment Line

866-957-9224 (WACH)

TRICARE Enrollments & Referrals

TriWest Portal or Call 1-888-TRIWEST

WACH Enrollment/PCM Changes
MilConnect or Call 1-888-TRIWEST 
Dependent Prime Travel Liaison

Visit Webpage

Patient Ambassadors

See List

WACH Front Desk/AOD

760-383-5155

Don't forget to keep your family's information up to date in DEERS!