FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) -- As of May 26, the one billionth Tricare Encounter Data record was processed for Tricare services around the world. This has significance for all Tricare beneficiaries.
"The fact that one billion records have been processed reflects the value of this program in helping Tricare provide the best possible health care to beneficiaries." said John Arendale, chief of Tricare Purchased Care Systems Integration. "Thank you to everyone involved for their work in creating and maintaining the TED system."
The TED system helps civilian providers get paid promptly for the services they provide to Tricare beneficiaries outside of military treatment facilities. Records are processed for provider payments in less than 24 hours in most cases.
The ease and speed of the TED system gives providers an incentive to participate in Tricare. Increased participation in Tricare networks provides beneficiaries better access to health care.
By verifying and analyzing the information in each record, the TED system allows provider payment to occur promptly and helps prevent payment of duplicate, fraudulent or erroneous claims. The information in the TED system provides data for developing health care trends and budget projections.
TED system staff members have processed more than $140 billion of purchased services for Tricare beneficiaries worldwide since 2004.