Health Care

Health services are provided at the Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River (NHCPR). Services that are available include: 

• Primary Care
• Preventive Care
• Mental (Behavioral) Health
• Lab Tests & Radiology
• Specialty Care
• Case Management
• Dental
• Pharmacy
• Women's Health & Pregnancy
• Other

Specialty care and services that are not available at NHCPR, patients are referred by their primary care provider to other Military Treatment Facilities in the National Capital Area such as: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda, Malcolm Grown at NAF Andrews or Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.

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.

With permanent change of station orders, ask for a copy of your medical and dental records from your military treatment facility and the dental treatment facility. Do this at least one month before your PCS date. The MTF should also transfer a copy of your record and any family records to your new duty station or you may be able to hand carry them to your new duty station.

If you want someone else to be able to get medical or dental information on you or your family while you are moving, you need to complete a DD Form 2870, "Authorization for Disclosure of Medical or Dental Information."

For more information on getting copies of medical records, visit TRICARE Request Copies of Medical Records.

The Dental staff at NHCPR is committed to providing unparalleled service with the highest quality and care. Staffed with 4 dentists, 3 part-time hygienists, and 13 dental assistants, the clinic's mission is to serve the Active Duty stationed at NAS Patuxent River. Family members and retirees are encouraged to use their respective TRICARE Dental Plans for their dental health needs. 

Dental Services:

• PHA, Flight Physical, and other Dental Examinations
• Preventive Care
• Fillings
• Oral Surgery
• Routine Cleanings

Some specialty dental care is referred to the dental clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda or to local civilian dentists as determined by clinic staff and resources.

If there is an emergency after hours, please call the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273, and go to either Urgent Care or the Emergency Room. After your visit there, please follow up with the Dental Staff.

The Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to provide support to military family members with special needs. The EFMP is a multidisciplinary assignment tool that interfaces with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated medical, educational, community and personnel support to military families with special needs. EFMP documents the long-term medical needs (including physical and mental health) and special educational needs of exceptional family members as mandated by Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Instruction 1754.2F. Enrollment in the EFMP ensures consideration of the needs of family members in the detailing process.

The Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River is a category-three facility. The EFMP division coordinates the administrative actions required to assist those members who request entry or update within the EFMP. The EFMP coordinator is located at the NHC. You may reach the EFMP coordinator by calling 301-995-3891 or the quarterdeck at 301-342-1418.

You may also contact the EFMP Case Liaison at the Fleet and Family Support Center, for assistance by calling 301-757-1869 or 301-757-4080.