Did you know that military hospitals and clinics come with a support staff of people who can help you navigate the  healthcare process? These include patient advocates and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators.

You can  find them at any military hospital or clinic. Read below to learn about patient advocates and BCACs. You will learn how  they differ and how you can get in touch when you need one. 

What is the role of the patient advocate? 

You may have already heard about patient advocates. Every military hospital or clinic has a patient advocate. They are  the go-to resource when you have concerns or questions about healthcare services you received at a military hospital or  clinic. Or perhaps you just want to let someone know about a great experience you had at a military hospital or clinic. 

Patient advocates are trained experts on the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. They can explain the content and  give you a copy. They’re also there for you when you or a family member has a concern you’d like addressed,  investigated, and resolved. 

If you have a question or concern, contact the patient advocate. Their responsibilities include: 

• Listening to patient concerns 
• Responding timely to complaints 
• Explaining military hospital or clinic policies, procedures, and operations 
• Mediating concerns between the patient and medical team 

What is the role of the Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator? 

Like the patient advocate, BCACs are your advisor. However, the BCAC’s main job is to help you understand and  access TRICARE benefits and services to meet your needs. 

BCACs can explain your TRICARE plan and how your benefit works. They interact with other hospital staff members,  regional contractors, and claims processors to help resolve your concerns. 

BCACs can address TRICARE-related questions including: 

• Eligibility
• Enrollment
• Referrals and pre-authorizations
• Claims processing delays
• Covered services
• Military Health System Nurse Advice Line
• Getting healthcare services outside the military hospital or clinic 

How do you find a patient advocate or BCAC? 

Each military hospital or clinic has contact information for the patient advocate and BCAC. You can ask the hospital  staff for their office location. Or you can look up their information online on Find a Military Hospital or Clinic page or  in the Customer Service Community Directory. 

Want to email your patient advocate? They’re just a few clicks away. Look on the homepage of your military hospital or  clinic website for the blue tile that says “Connect with a Patient Advocate.” Clicking on this tile will let you email your  patient advocate directly. 

It’s important to know what resources are available to help you make the best healthcare decisions for you and your  family.

If you have questions or concerns about your care, unlock your health by seeking help from a patient advocate or  BCAC.

*For more posts like this, visit DHA’s M:M Expert Author Page.