TRICARE Prime vs Select: Records Management Comparison
How your TRICARE plan affects medical record access, portability, and continuity of care during PCS moves
Last Updated: January 11, 2026 • 8 min read
Quick Comparison
TRICARE Prime
- ✅ Records in MHS Genesis (MTF care)
- ✅ Automatic transfers between MTFs
- ⚠️ Referral-based civilian care only
- ✅ Best for frequent movers
TRICARE Select
- ⚠️ Records scattered across providers
- ❌ Manual collection required for PCS
- ✅ Choose any TRICARE-authorized provider
- ⚠️ More work managing records
The Key Difference for Medical Records
TRICARE Prime: Most care happens at military treatment facilities (MTFs), so records automatically go into MHS Genesis. Easy to access, automatically transfer between bases.
TRICARE Select: You choose civilian providers, so records stay with those providers. You must manually request and collect records from each provider before PCS moves.
Where Your Records Are Stored
TRICARE Prime
Primary Location:
MHS Genesis (centralized DoD system)
Civilian Specialist Records:
Stay with civilian provider, BUT referral info is in Genesis
Access Method:
mhsgenesis.health.mil with CAC/DS Logon
TRICARE Select
Primary Location:
Each civilian provider's EHR system (scattered)
If You Visit MTF:
Those specific visits go in Genesis
Access Method:
Must request via DD Form 2870 from each provider
Impact on PCS Moves
TRICARE Prime: Easier Transitions
- Records transfer automatically between MTFs via Genesis
- Download once from Genesis portal for all MTF care
- Only need to chase civilian specialist records (if any)
- Timeline: 1-2 weeks to collect everything
TRICARE Select: More Complex
- Must request from every provider you've seen (PCP, specialists, urgent care, etc.)
- DD Form 2870 for each provider (30-day response time per provider)
- Track multiple requests - easy to miss providers or lose paperwork
- Timeline: 6-8 weeks to collect everything (start early!)
Pro Tip for Select Users:
Keep a running list of every provider you see (including urgent care, specialists, labs). Start requesting records 90 days before expected PCS to account for 30-day provider response times.
Cost of Obtaining Records
| Plan | MTF Records | Civilian Records |
|---|---|---|
| Prime | Free (Genesis download) | $25-75 per specialist (if used) |
| Select | Free if you visited MTF | $25-75 per provider (PCP + all specialists) |
Example Select scenario: PCP ($40) + 2 specialists ($60 each) + urgent care ($35) + pediatrician ($40) = $235 for one PCS
EFMP & Special Needs Considerations
TRICARE Prime with EFMP
Pros: MTF records in one place, easier to compile EFMP packets
Cons: May need referrals for specialists, less provider choice
TRICARE Select with EFMP
Pros: Direct access to specialists without referrals, can establish long-term provider relationships
Cons: Must chase down records from multiple providers for each EFMP renewal (every 2-3 years)
See our EFMP Documentation Guide for complete requirements.
What Happens When You Switch Plans?
Prime → Select
Your MTF records stay in Genesis (you always have access). Going forward, new civilian provider records will be separate. Action: Download complete Genesis history before switching to have baseline.
Select → Prime
Your previous civilian records don't automatically transfer to Genesis. Action: Bring copies of civilian records to your first MTF appointment so providers can review and enter relevant info into Genesis.
Plan changes during PCS: Many families switch from Select to Prime (or vice versa) when they PCS based on MTF availability at new location. Collect ALL records before switching to ensure nothing is lost.
Which Plan is Better for Records Management?
Choose TRICARE Prime if:
- You PCS frequently (every 2-3 years)
- MTF is nearby with short appointment wait times
- You value simplified record-keeping
- You're in EFMP (easier documentation process)
- You don't have established civilian provider relationships
Choose TRICARE Select if:
- MTF is far away or has long wait times
- You have established civilian providers you trust
- You're staying at one location for 4+ years
- You need specialist care not available at MTF
- You're willing to manage scattered records (or use CarryForward!)
CarryForward Works with Both Plans
Whether you have Prime, Select, or switch between them, CarryForward keeps all your records in one place:
- Import Genesis records (for Prime users or past MTF care)
- Track civilian providers (for Select users) with automated DD Form 2870 generation
- Maintain continuity when switching plans - all records accessible regardless of plan changes
- PCS-ready exports - organized packets for new providers at next duty station
Common Questions
Can I have both Prime and Select?
No, you must choose one plan per enrollment period. However, you can change plans during annual open season (usually December) or within 90 days of a qualifying life event (PCS, marriage, etc.).
What if my MTF records aren't showing in Genesis?
Genesis only includes records since your base transitioned (2017-2024). For older MTF records, contact your medical records office. See our MHS Genesis Guide.
Does Prime Remote work the same as regular Prime?
Prime Remote (for families living away from MTFs) functions more like Select for records - you use civilian providers, so records are scattered. But you still get Prime benefits (no copays, coordinated referrals).
How do I get records for urgent care visits?
Prime: If you went to MTF urgent care, it's in Genesis. If civilian urgent care (with referral), request from that facility.
Select: Always request from civilian urgent care using DD Form 2870.