Health Care

When you move, TRICARE moves with you. No matter where you go in the world, TRICARE is there before, during and when you get to your next duty station.

There are steps you need to take to make sure changes to your TRICARE coverage go smoothly. Understand that when you move, you may have to use a different TRICARE option. Visit TRICARE Moving to learn more.

Before you move, you should take care of any routine medical needs, including immunizations, and fill your prescriptions so you have enough while traveling. If you need care during your move, visit TRICARE Getting Care When Traveling to learn what to do.

Filling prescriptions while traveling

You should refill prescriptions before traveling. But if you run out of a prescription drug while traveling, visit TRICARE Filling Prescriptions When Traveling.

Getting dental care while traveling

Getting dental care while traveling depends on your location and whether you are a service member or family member.

• If you are an active-duty service member within the United States or in U.S. territories, and near a military installation, you may be able to get emergency dental care at the dental treatment facility, or DTF, if available. If not, contact the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Care Program before you see a dentist and tell the contractor about your move. You will need to get an authorization before you see a dentist. The Active Duty Dental Care Program will work with you, so you can get care from a local network dentist.
• If you are an active-duty service member at an overseas location, call the TRICARE overseas regional call center to get authorization before you see a civilian dentist.
• If you are an active-duty family member within the United States, in U.S. territories or at an overseas location, you can find out if any nearby military dental treatment facility treats active-duty family members. If you're enrolled in the TRICARE dental program, call the TRICARE dental program contractor or visit their website to find a provider. You will need to get an authorization before you see the dentist.

Joint Base Charleston has two clinics, the 628th Medical Group (Air Base) and the Naval Health Clinic Charleston (Naval Weapons Station)

The 628th Medical Group (628 MDG) delivers comprehensive healthcare services focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness, as well as the promotion of overall health and wellness for our patient population. The clinic operates Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and pharmacy services are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Script Center is also available for 24/7 use to pick up prescriptions. Consult with the pharmacy on how to get set up.

As part of the Defense Health Agency (DHA)—a joint, integrated combat support agency—628 MDG plays a critical role in supporting the medical readiness of service members and managing military healthcare services.

All patient care is provided by appointment only; to schedule an appointment call the appointment line at 843-963-6880. Patients are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time to allow for check-in and completion of any required documentation.

If you are active duty needing same day care, call the appointment line or walk in to our flight medicine clinic at 7:30 am. Active-duty personnel in temporary duty (TDY) status will be treated as permanent party members for acute care needs. Those in leave status must schedule appointments based on the severity of their condition. If after hours, please contact the Nurse Advice Line (NAL) at 1-800-TRICARE (800-874-2273), and someone will direct your care.

Our healthcare network connects you to almost all medical specialties available in the community. Please make an appointment with your PCM to start the process.

Patients must be registered in MHS GENESIS before appointments can be made. Registration can be completed by visiting the TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration (TOPA) office or calling 843-963-6992.

Note: TRICARE policies and procedures are subject to frequent updates. For the most current information, please contact Humana at 1-800-444-5445.

The Naval Health Clinic Charleston (NHCC) provides superior health care to our service members, veterans, and family members. All family members, as well as retirees, are eligible to be seen at Naval Health Clinic Charleston with some exceptions. The clinic does not have an emergency room.

Central Appointments are available Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. and is closed on weekends and federal holidays. To make, cancel, or reschedule an appointment, please call Central Appointment Line at 843-794-6221. After hours, patients can call the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can get health care advice, make an appointment with your Primary Care Manager, or get referrals for urgent care needs.

Members can review their referrals online at Humana-Military or you can contact our Referral Management Center Monday - Friday at 843-794-6231.

NHCC is excited to announce we have re-opened enrollment for TRICARE Prime Active Duty Family Members, Retirees, and Retiree Family Members.  If you currently have TRICARE Prime and are empaneled with a civilian Primary Care Manager (PCM) but would like to enroll at NHCC please contact Humana at 800-444-5445.