If you go to an off post hospital, can anyone in your chain in command request those medical records?

2021-04-18T22:09:28-04:00

I’m talking about no one being arrested or in trouble just yourself going cause you needed to but it doesn’t feel bad enough for all of your unit to know.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2021 10:39 PM

2021-04-18T22:39:58-04:00

Tricare won't cover your hospital visit unless it's to an ER and it's an emergency and you're away from your Military Treatment Facility.

If you want to go to a doctor on your own dime, then go for it. Your chain of command doesn't have access to your medical records to begin with, but if your peace of mind costs tens of thousands of dollars, then that's the price of a good night's sleep. I've personally never met a SPC with thousands of dollars of spending cash laying around to pay for uninsured medical expenses, but there's always a first for everyone in the Army

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Apr 18 at 2021 11:53 PM

2021-04-18T23:53:14-04:00

If you don't have a referral or it's not an ER visit you're paying out of pocket.

Why do you think your command can access your medical records?

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Apr 19 at 2021 1:31 AM

2021-04-19T01:31:14-04:00

What do you have to hide? STD? To answer you question, anyone in your chain of command cn request anything; however, getting it is another story. You are covered under HIPAA. The military medical facility, with your permission, can request the records. Also, the civilian hospital usually sends a summary of treatment to your PCM [be it military or civilian]. Most COs, etc don't need your medical information.

Response by SPC Scott Fleener made Apr 19 at 2021 8:54 AM

2021-04-19T08:54:19-04:00

While Tricare does cover ER visits you honestly are doing yourself a disservice by not going to your On-post hospital if you have one. You are covered by HIPPA no matter what. However hiding medical/mental treatment; especially emergencies, from your unit, probably isn't the best idea. I don't know your personal situation but telling your direct-line supervisor will allow you to be sure the military will be tracking your medical health history. And trust me you'll want everything documented for when you get out or especially if and when you need additional treatment.

Additionally, and probably most important, IF your unit DOES find out you went to the off-post ER and you did not tell your direct-line, you'll be in way more trouble than if you just tell them.

Response by MSgt Gloria Vance made Apr 19 at 2021 10:18 AM

2021-04-19T10:18:45-04:00

If your job requires flying or security and you don’t report going off post for medical treatment, that’s a huge can of trouble.

Response by SGT Robert Payne made Apr 19 at 2021 8:55 PM

2021-04-19T20:55:39-04:00

Back in the day troops with Clap would go off base to avoid.....complications