Process Change for Tyndall Insurance Cards

Published Nov. 9, 2006
By Capt. Erin Vanderwall
325th Medical Group

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Tyndall Clinic third party collection program has ramped up a new process to reduce the amount of paperwork patients fill out, while maintaining the currency of insurance information on file.

The Third Party Collection Insurance Card is at the center of this new process.
Each clinic, including pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology, will be asking to see this card every time an eligible member presents for service. This process will ensure eligible members only have to fill out the TPC form once a year, instead of every time they have an appointment, as in the past.

Eligible members include all active duty dependents, retirees, retiree family members, as well as Tricare for Life beneficiaries. If a member has recently become eligible for Medicare, they may also be asked to present the Medicare card at the Military Personnel Flight in Bldg. 662 in order to complete the one-time update in the DEERS system.

If a member does not have the TPC card at the time of care, or if the card has expired, they will be asked to fill out the form at the third party collection office.

The TPC office is located off of the main clinic pharmacy lobby.

For minor children, multiple cards can be issued to both parents or guardians and the child upon request. The process to receive a new card at the TPC office can take 10-15 minutes, so allow enough time before a appointment.

If a member has health insurance to declare, the clinic will absorb the cost share or co-pay portion of the civilian health care plan, while still applying the cost of care to the member's deductible at no cost to the member.

Therefore, the claims filed by Tyndall may result in a significant cost savings if the member later seeks care at a civilian facility. The money collected by the Air Force from civilian insurance companies goes directly to the local clinic to augment clinic services.

Last year alone, Tyndall applied more than $325,600 to members' deductibles. This is a valuable program for both patients and the facility, and the clinic thanks its patrons for their continued support.

For more information, stop by the third party collection office in the main clinic pharmacy lobby, or call 283-7645.