An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

There are emergency procedures in place in multiple states due to extreme weather. Learn More

Live in the West Region? There is now a referral approval waiver in place through March 31, 2025. Learn More. Also, you have until March 31 to set up  your payment info if you pay by EFT, credit card, or debit card. This is for TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TYA, TRS, and TRR plans. If you miss this deadline, you will be disenrolled back to Jan. 1. Visit www.tricare.mil/west today.

News | Feb. 26, 2025

Learn How TRICARE Covers Laboratory Services and Diagnostic Imaging

By TRICARE Communications

Laboratory services and diagnostic imaging are vital tools for maintaining your health. These tests can help you and your provider catch potential issues early, before they become serious problems. They can also help you monitor your health, if you have a chronic condition or other existing concern.

TRICARE covers many of these services, including some as part of your preventive health care benefit, as described in Chapter 7, Section 2.1 of the TRICARE Policy Manual.

Keep reading to learn more about getting these services with TRICARE.

Why get laboratory tests?

Laboratory tests can reveal important information about your overall health. They can help:

  • Detect diseases before symptoms appear
  • Monitor existing health conditions
  • Check if medications are working properly
  • Provide a baseline for future comparisons

Many health conditions don’t show symptoms in early stages. Regular laboratory services help identify these hidden problems when they’re most treatable.

Which tests are covered?

TRICARE covers some of these tests as part of your preventive health benefit. Some common covered tests include (but aren’t limited to):

Has your provider ordered diagnostic imaging? TRICARE covers many of these services when medically necessary. These include (but aren’t limited to):

Some specialized tests or imaging may require referrals, as detailed in the TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook.

How to view your results

Do you get care at a military hospital or clinic? You can view your lab results through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

Want to access your test results online? Follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal using your Common Access Card, DS Logon, or Personal Identity Verification card.
  2. Click the “Health Record” button at the top of the page.
  3. For lab results, select “Results and Measurements” from the left menu.
  4. For radiology or pathology results, select “Clinical Reports” from the left menu.
  5. Choose a report type from the dropdown menu.

Understanding your results

Laboratory and imaging results provide important insights into your health. They may show if you need:

  • Additional testing
  • Changes to your medications
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Lifestyle changes
Did you get these tests at a military hospital or clinic? If so, you can use the secure messaging feature in the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to contact your provider or ask follow-up questions.

Taking charge of your health

By reviewing your test and imaging results, you can:

  • Understand trends in your health
  • Be better prepared for appointments
  • Make informed decisions about your care
  • Partner more effectively with your healthcare team

Laboratory services and diagnostic testing are powerful tools for monitoring your overall health. Take advantage of your TRICARE benefit and the convenience of the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to stay on top of your health.

Be sure to ask your provider about which tests may be right for you at your next preventive care visit.

Looking for more information about accessing lab results or using the patient portal? Visit Secure Patient Portal.

 

Woman and child on the TRICARE Dental Program website home page.

The TRICARE Dental Program Website Has a New Look!

News
Mar. 20, 2025

Have you checked out the new TRICARE Dental Program website yet? The updated layout makes searching your...
Read More
Man and woman take a picture outside.

Unlock Your Health With These TRICARE For Life B...

News
Mar. 20, 2025

As you age, it’s important to think about your future health needs. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65,...
Read More
Dentist holds dental equipment.

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program T...

News
Mar. 19, 2025

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on...
Read More
Woman in medical scrubs holds up model teeth.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

News
Mar. 18, 2025

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the...
Read More
Man signs papers.

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other...

News
Mar. 18, 2025

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a...
Read More
Doctor talking with a patient.

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

News
Mar. 13, 2025

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you...
Read More
Military doctor conducts a vitals check.

Get Preventive Health Services With TRICARE

News
Mar. 11, 2025

Your health is about more than just sick visits and medications—it’s also about making choices that keep you...
Read More
Patient Safety Awareness DHA graphic.

Explore Patient Safety Measures at Military Hosp...

News
Mar. 06, 2025

Do you get health care at a military hospital or clinic? When you need care, patient safety should never be a...
Read More

March 20, 2025

The TRICARE Dental Program Website Has a New Look!

Have you checked out the new TRICARE Dental Program website yet? The updated layout makes searching your important TDP benefits information simpler.

March 20, 2025

Unlock Your Health With These TRICARE For Life Basics

As you age, it’s important to think about your future health needs. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, TRICARE has you covered if you take the appropriate steps. Once you actively have Medicare Part A and Part B, you’re automatically enrolled in TRICARE For Life. TFL coverage allows you to get the care you need while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

March 19, 2025

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program Terms You Should Know

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on essential terms relating to your dental coverage. Understanding your TDP plan can help you make the most of your benefits.

March 18, 2025

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the dentist often leads people to feel hesitant. If you’re feeling unsure at the dentist, then you may not ask any questions or express your discomfort with a procedure. However, taking charge of your oral health isn't just about brushing and flossing daily; it's about actively participating in your dental care journey.

March 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other Health Insurance Work Together

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a spouse’s plan, or a private insurer, it’s considered other health insurance, which can affect how TRICARE processes your claim. TRICARE and OHI work together to help cover your health care and services.

March 13, 2025

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you can see. The type of provider you see can determine how much you pay for care and the process for filing claims.

March 11, 2025

Get Preventive Health Services With TRICARE

Your health is about more than just sick visits and medications—it’s also about making choices that keep you feeling your best. Getting routine preventive care can help you stay well and catch problems early. With preventive health services, TRICARE has you covered.

March 6, 2025

Explore Patient Safety Measures at Military Hospitals and Clinics

Do you get health care at a military hospital or clinic? When you need care, patient safety should never be a concern. You deserve to know how well your military hospital or clinic protects you and your family from preventable harm.

March 4, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Understanding Your TRICARE Explanation of Benefits

Your TRICARE explanation of benefits is an essential tool for understanding your health claims. An EOB is a statement from your health plan that details what action TRICARE has taken on your claims. Take a moment to understand your EOB, what it means, and what may be required on your part.

Feb. 26, 2025

Learn How TRICARE Covers Laboratory Services and Diagnostic Imaging

Laboratory services and diagnostic imaging are vital tools for maintaining your health. These tests can help you and your provider catch potential issues early, before they become serious problems. TRICARE covers many of these services, including some as part of your preventive health care benefit.