FAC T SHEET FOR PROVIDERS

A Health Campaign of Uniformed Services University, www.usuhs.edu, and theCenter for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Bethesda, Maryland, www.CSTSonline.org

Sustaining Healthcare Continuity
for our Military Families
Military families move around theto strengthen the resilience of ourImportantly,
movingcandisrupt
nation and around the globe. Whileentire military community.
relocation is a part of military life
This Courage to Care fact sheet
individual and family healthcare
and military tradition, the process isaddresses some important androutines.
stressful, especially during wartime.
practical issues related to healthcare
Importantly, moving can disrupt
continuity for families who areindividual and family healthcare routines.
preparing to move, and for families who are encountering
Military healthcare professionals can reinforce andmedical personnel and resources in their new surroundings.
facilitate continuity of healthcare for families on the move
Helping Families Prepare to Move
The information below, which is included on theaccompanying patient fact sheet, Military Families on theMove, can be used to advise patients.
■ Service members and spouses should participate inbriefings related to their medical and dental insurance
including portability of TRICARE, medical care enroute to their new station, and transportation ofmedical records.
■ Military families, particularly those using civilian

primary care managers, should request a summary of
their medical records and medications before departing.
■ Important documentation such as birth certificates,

immunization records, social security cards, passports,
naturalization and adoption papers (if necessary),
school records, and copies of orders, should be carriedand not shipped.
■ Recommend that family members obtain extra refills of

any important medications that must be taken regularly
in case moving or arrival is delayed.
■ Information on support services for children withspecial needs should be obtained and, if possible, set up
before departing from the old assignment.
■ Spouses who are pregnant or have infants should beadvised to be especially attentive to routine healthcare
immediately upon arriving at their destination.
■ Family safety is a health issue. Encourage families tobecome familiar with any disaster or emergency issuesof importance in their new location (e.g., moving to anarea that is vulnerable to hurricanes or earthquakes).
■ Attend to the healthcare of household pets and makesure they have any vaccinations and documents
required by their new community or state.
Welcoming New Families
Fostering a safe and caring environment, especially for
new patients to your office or clinic, can help families feel
comfortable and more relaxed.
■ Acknowledge the challenges of a new healthcare setting

and encourage patients to address any outstanding
healthcare issues or medical history. They willappreciate your attentiveness and concern as their new
healthcare provider.
■ Recognize the normal stress of moving, but try todiscern any signs of a more serious mental healthcondition in the form of depression, anxiety, substancemisuse, or health risks that could undermine individual
or family safety.
■ Schedule a follow up visit for any questionable healthissues including expressed concerns around family
conflict.
■ Suggest that service members or spouses use theconfidential telephone and web-based services offeredby Military OneSource by calling 1-800-342-9647
or visiting https://screening.mentalhealthscreening.
org/Military_NDSD to take a free, confidential selfassessment for mental health problems.