Beware of Referral Directory Solicitation

It has come to our attention that an organization calling itself Military Media is contacting providers by mail and requesting them to purchase a listing in their directory. The letter is in the form of an invoice for a listing in the “Armed Forces Medical Directory, published for selective CHAMPUS providers.”

The letter also says the listing will bring providers additional exposure and an additional “influx of CHAMPUS patents, retired and active duty, to your practice.” The letter received by some providers had a Palm Springs, CA address on the letterhead, while the return address had a different Palm Springs address.

This is similar to another solicitation that occurred recently in Alaska, in which some providers were told that they would not receive TRICARE referrals unless they purchased a listing in the directory.

There is a company called Military Media Inc., based out of Poughkeepsie, NY, that offers advertising, marketing, and consumer promotions to reach the military audience. When contacted by telephone, a company official said it has no other offices, was not affiliated with this organization and does not print any type of provider directory.

Providers throughout the TRICARE West Region should be alert to any other similar solicitations. TRICARE referrals are not based on listings purchased in any directory. Network providers are listed in the provider directory located at www.triwest.com/provider and do not have to pay to be listed.

If you are contacted by this organization or an organization making similar claims, please contact your network representative.

Published Date: 07/22/2008