How to Submit an Authorization or Referral Request

Avoid extra work and first check if HNFS approval is needed

Have you checked requirements? Use our Prior Authorization, Referral and Benefit tool.
Is it an ancillary service, such as diagnostic radiology or lab tests? Our Ancillary Services Approval Requirements tool tells you if you need an approval from HNFS. Most ancillary services do not require an approval.
Is it a limited benefit? Check if we offer a Letter of Attestation you can attach instead of clinical documentation. This will expedite the review process!
Will the service be rendered at a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (FASC)? Be sure to verify the procedure is on TRICARE's list of approved procedures that can be rendered at an FASC. (An FASC is a surgery center not attached to a hospital or owned by a hospital within a 35-mile radius.)

Submit your request online

Learn more:

Use our step-by-step guides
Watch our CareAffiliate^® video tutorial
Attending a provider webinar

CareAffiliate (requires login)	Web Authorization/Referral Form (WARF) (does not require login)
Key features of this option include: Get an immediate response Use for outpatient and inpatient requests Check status Save frequently used providers, request profiles and diagnosis lists Add attachments (see below if you use IE 11 as your browser) In the Secure Portal, click on "Submit Authorization Request" to access CareAffiliate. Tip: Use our step-by-step CareAffiliate Guide as a resource.	Key features of this option include: Use without website registration Print and save a PDF of the response This tool is for outpatient requests only. Tips: Use our step-by-step WARF Guide and Request Type Guide. Do not select "multi-specialty" as a specialty. This will delay processing of your request.

CareAffiliate (requires login)

Web Authorization/Referral Form (WARF)
(does not require login)

Key features of this option include:

Get an immediate response
Use for outpatient and inpatient requests
Check status
Save frequently used providers, request profiles and diagnosis lists
Add attachments (see below if you use IE 11 as your browser)

In the Secure Portal, click on "Submit Authorization Request" to access CareAffiliate.

Tip: Use our step-by-step CareAffiliate Guide as a resource.

Key features of this option include:

Use without website registration
Print and save a PDF of the response

This tool is for outpatient requests only.

Tips:

Use our step-by-step WARF Guide and Request Type Guide.
Do not select "multi-specialty" as a specialty. This will delay processing of your request.

Requesting changes to existing referrals/authorizations

Outpatient: Online.
Inpatient: By fax using our Inpatient TRICARE Service Request Notification form.

Check the status of your request

Routine requests are processed within 2-5 business days.

Urgent requests, for care needed within 72 hours, are expedited based on the clinical information submitted. Processing time may be delayed if sufficient information is not provided.

Use our Check Authorization and Referral Status tool to check the status of your request and view a copy of your authorization/referral letter.

Need help? Watch our Check Authorization Status tutorial or download a printable guide.