Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
When Kirk is not open, where do I go for health care?
Kirk is opened from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. On holidays, weekends and evening hours, you may contact the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1 for medical advice, urgent care authorizations, or self-care education from a registered nurse. Should you have a true emergency, you should go directly to the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital.
How do I get an Appointment?
There are two great ways to schedule an appointment at Kirk Health Clinic. Appointments are made through the Kirk Call Center by calling (410) 278-KIRK (5475) or Toll Free (866) 756-5475; 0730-1630 Monday through Friday, closed weekends and federal holidays and the Internet web-based appointment system ... TRICARE On-Line (TOL) ...
www.tricareonline.com
Kirk offers early morning access appointments beginning at 0630 for Active Duty Service Members, Monday through Friday.
How do I see a Specialist?
Referral to a specialist is done through your Primary Care Manager (PCM). If you need to see a specialist, please make an appointment with your PCM to discuss your concerns and consider your options.
I am TDY can I receive care here?
TDY & activated Reservists and their dependents require a copy of their military orders to be eligible for medical care at Kirk. There is no place in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to indicate that a service member has been activated, therefore both soldiers and their family members will need to show copies of the orders for every visit requiring care.
TRICARE for Life. Can I receive my care here?I have TRICARE Standard or
TRICARE Standard patients may be seen at Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic on a space available basis.
The call center told me there are not any more appointments today, but I really would like to talk to someone about my problems, is there a nurse I can call?
Yes, the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1 for medical advice, urgent care authorizations, or self-care education from a registered nurse is a 24 hour/7 days a week.
Is it true as long as I have TRICARE, I can go anywhere?
With only a few exceptions, a referral from your primary care provider (PCM) or from Kirk (Triage Nurse or Staff Duty personnel) is absolutely necessary. Without a referral, you will be responsible for Point of Service Charges and possibly the full charge of the bill. Emergency Rooms do not require a referral.
Where can I go for health care if I have TRICARE Direct?
Active Duty service members can go to any MTF or the emergency room. Family members in our region can go to Walter Reed for all health care needs as well as any emergency room. At this time, Kirk is treating TRICARE Prime beneficiaries only.
I just had a baby, what do I need to do?
First, register your child with DEERS, than go to Patient Administration and the TRICARE Office. If you want your child to have TRICARE Prime, they MUST be enrolled within 60 days from birth, otherise your child will be defaulted into TRICARE Standard.
I understand that it is customary to arrive at Kirk 15-20 minutes ahead, does that still apply after you are an established patient?
Yes, it is a requirement to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes early for your appointment to help with processing your vitals and necessary paperwork.
What is the best time to avoid long waiting times when picking up my medications?
Surveys have shown that picking up your medication prior to 10 am greatly shortens your wait time.
My referral states Occupational Therapy (OT). Is that the same thing as Physical Therapy (PT)?
No, OT is another specialty that deals mainly with the upper extremity focusing on the elbow, wrist, and hand joints. If the physician gives you a consult for OT, the physical therapist will generate a consult for you to be seen by a civilian occupational therapist.
My prescription from the physician says for me to attend aquatic therapy. Do you offer that at Kirk?
No, due to our limited size and resources we do not have a pool for aquatic therapy. If your physician is requesting that you attend an aquatic physical therapy program the therapist will generate a consult for you to be seen by a civilian physical therapy clinic that offers aquatic therapy.