Going through a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a big change, especially for military families caring for a child with a bleeding disorder.
Picking up and moving means building a new support network in an unfamiliar area while re-establishing new primary care providers/specialists, new schools, and new friends. It also means prolonged separation from a parent(s), leaving childcare to the remaining care-taker while being far from extended family.
Denise is a mother of four. Two of her children have hemophilia, and her husband is in the Army. She said in an interview with BioMatrix:
“We’ve moved a lot. Officially, we have PCS’d I believe 7 times, but we have moved for one reason or another about 14 times. Moving and re-establishing care is always an issue. First, we have to get the move approved by the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Once we move, we have to see a primary care physician before we receive a referral for the hematologist.”
Continuity of Care
Continuity of Care (COC) is a concept centered on the quality of care patients receive over time and a process where the patient’s care team is cooperatively working together for their good. Unfortunately, some populations are predisposed to issues with continuity—including those serving in our armed forces.
Prolonged separation from family members and frequent moving can negatively impact COC for military families. One analysis found that 44% of military families caring for children with special healthcare needs did not receive assistance coordinating care across providers.1
Though military families face COC challenges, specialty pharmacies are uniquely positioned to help them preserve their quality of care and health outcomes. They can help coordinate care across multiple healthcare access points for those with chronic conditions by:
Leveraging detailed clinical knowledge with individualized patient information to help providers fine tune treatment plans
Helping patients understand their coverage, coordinating health benefits, securing prompt authorization for prescribed therapy, and providing access to resources reducing barriers to care
Coordinating services between patient, provider, payer, and other community-based resources to overcome challenges, maintain continuity, and promote safe, effective care
Beyond filling a monthly prescription, the right specialty pharmacy can become an advocate and partner in the ongoing management of chronic health conditions.
As a nationwide, TRICARE-approved specialty pharmacy, BioMatrix is proud to serve the women and men of our military.
Providing seamless continuity of care for our TRICARE beneficiaries is both an honor and a privilege. We provide oral, injectable, and biologic medications used to treat complex health conditions and help implement complex treatment plans. By coordinating services between patient, provider, payer, and other community-based resources, we help bridge gaps, preserve continuity, and improve outcomes.
We empower patients to better manage their condition and live each day to its fullest. Whether you’re a patient or provider, we want to be an advocate and supportive resource for you.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Resource Guide
Our Permanent Change of Station Resource Guide was designed specifically for military families caring for a child with a bleeding disorder. This resource includes:
Articles and guides to help you prepare for your PCS and information regarding recent changes to TRICARE
National organizations serving the bleeding disorders community
Local resources by TRICARE division including Hemophilia Treatment Centers, local bleeding disorders chapters, and camp programs for children with a bleeding disorder
Upon receiving your request, we'll email a copy of our PCS Resource Guide and include contact information for your local Regional Care Coordinator.
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References
“Experience of Children with Special Health Care Needs in Tricare.” https://www.tricare.mil/Survey/Hcsurvey/childIssueBriefJan27_rev.pdf, Health Care Survey of DoD Beneficiaries. Nd.
