Tripler Army Medical Center

02/28/2025

The Tripler Army Medical Center DEERS Office will be closed on Friday, Feb. 28. Normal operations will resume Monday, March 3.

We apologize for any inconvenience!

02/27/2025

Announcement:
Content is being removed from this platform in accordance with Presidential Executive Orders and DoD Instruction 5400.17, Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes.

02/26/2025

Ms. Courtney Mar, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for Soldier Recovery Unit Hawaii, has spent over 17 years delivering compassionate and individualized care to Soldiers. Mar leverages her expertise and innovative approaches to build trust and foster meaningful relationships that drive rehabilitation progress and improve well-being.

“Her creative, out-of-the-box ideas motivate patients to achieve their goals. She consistently goes above and beyond to provide top-tier care. This all manifests in her Soldiers in recovery constantly seeking her out for advice and assistance, often beyond the confines of Occupational Therapy. Ms. Mar is an invaluable member of SRU-HI,” wrote the TAMC staff member who nominated Mar for the Staff Spotlight.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Courtney Mar on her outstanding contributions to Soldier care!

02/21/2025

Tripler Army Medical Center is leading the way in training combat medics, enhancing their skills and improving their ability to provide prolonged casualty care under field conditions.

Read how TAMC Directorate of Academics, Research and Training's program is teaching our medics nursing and physician level skillsets that can help line units in the field:

https://tripler.tricare.mil/News-Gallery/Articles/Article/4074065/how-tripler-army-medical-center-is-meeting-the-needs-of-todays-combat-medic

U.S. Army Soldiers (from left) Staff Sgt. Derek J. Born, Spec. Adrian E. Comas-Perez; Spec. Zachary S. Juengel; Spec. Christen O. Johnson; Spec. Kelvin Weiner Jr.; Spec. Maxwell H. Ghimire; Pfc. Mary Amponsah; and Sgt. 1st Class Anthonytomas P. Ortiz, pose for a photo after completing hands-on training in Medial Competency Assessment Program at Tripler Army Medical Center on Nov. 1, 2024. Born and Ortiz are instructors assigned to TAMC, and the remaining soldiers are students assigned to the 25th Infantry Division.

02/20/2025

Celeste Van Treese-Osaki has devoted 24 years to providing excellent patient care as a physical therapy assistant at TAMC. In addition to her full-time patient care responsibilities, Van Treese-Osaki has taken on additional behind-the-scenes roles for the Physical Therapy department and the Brace Shop.

“Her willingness to assist others, coupled with her strong professionalism and attention to detail, makes her an invaluable member of our team. Celeste's positive attitude and commitment to both patient care and team support truly exemplify the spirit of collaboration and excellence in our department,” wrote the TAMC staff member who nominated Treese-Osaki for the Staff Spotlight.

Mahaho, Celeste Van Treese-Osaki, for your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the TAMC mission!

02/15/2025

Services at Tripler Army Medical Center will be impacted by the Washington's Birthday holiday on Monday, Feb. 17.

All walk-in services (including the Outpatient Pharmacy, Outpatient Lab, and Active Duty Sick Call) will be closed. The Emergency Department will remain open.

Normal hours and services will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

02/14/2025

Meet Cheryl Kahoonei, lead medical support assistant in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department and this week's Staff Spotlight!

Miss Cheryl is truly a gem in our organization, and her 15 years of dedication to TAMC are a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence. One of Miss Cheryl's most notable strengths is her extensive knowledge in all aspects of medical administration — coordinating scheduling, booking and referrals to ensure OB/GYN patients have access to the care they need.

"She has a heart of gold like any other! She is loved by her coworkers in every department she has worked with. She has always been supportive to the MSAs and our OBGYN department. She is always stepping to resolve conflicts and issues," wrote the TAMC staff member who nominated Kahoonei for the Staff Spotlight.

Mahalo Cheryl Kahoonei for being a shining example of a true professional.

02/13/2025

COMMUNITY MESSAGE NOTIFICATION

EXTENDED WAIT TIMES AT TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER (TAMC) ACCESS CONTROL POINT

Please be advised that due to ongoing construction, the Access Control Point (ACP) at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) on Jarrett White Rd and Krukowski Rd, Honolulu, HI, will experience extended wait times between 9 .am. To 5 p.m. from Wednesday, Feb. 12 to Friday, Feb. 28.

EXPECT DELAYS: Incoming traffic will be forced to enter using one lane, causing longer than usual wait times and traffic congestion reaching the H201 Freeway. Wait times may exceed 30 minutes, especially during morning arrival times.

PLAN AHEAD: To ensure on-time arrival to appointments, please plan accordingly and allow for extra time to get through the ACP.

For questions or concerns, please contact:
Deputy Director of Emergency Services at Phone: (808) 787-6455
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

02/04/2025

From the Defense Health Agency:

We know the TRICARE West transition has been tough for many of our military families, and we want you to know we're listening. The Defense Health Agency is committed to ensuring you receive the quality care you deserve.

We're taking steps to address current challenges, putting long-term solutions in place, and working with TriWest to meet your health care needs.

Read the full message here:
https://www.dha.mil/News/2025/02/01/00/07/TRICARE-Message-to-Beneficiaries?fbclid=IwY2xjawIPV7JleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeOrYFPYcexPRrBs3X1QgT5LHW5JcwPuQM5Kd2JMdNzHCZvmsAFPIy79zw_aem_iGgFPxWQI8VJJ5ANzMVECA

02/04/2025

Valet parking at Tripler Army Medical Center is no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience!

The Tripler Trolley is available, free of charge, operating 6:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Passengers needing wheelchair assistance can call 808-433-1200

Learn more about the trolley service at https://tripler.tricare.mil/Getting-Care/Driving-Directions

01/31/2025

Tripler Army Medical Center currently has enough water to maintain all appointments and operations.

We look forward to seeing you today!

Power restored!

Water Conservation Advisory for Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC)

Attention TAMC residents, staff, and facility users: Due to a power outage affecting the water system, we ask all personnel and residents to conserve water until further notice.

How You Can Help:

Limit water use to essential needs only.
Reduce shower time and postpone non-essential laundry.
Avoid running faucets unnecessarily (e.g., while brushing teeth or washing dishes).
Delay outdoor water use such as watering lawns or washing vehicles.

Hawaiian Electric (HECO) is working to restore power to the water pumps, and teams are monitoring the situation closely.

We appreciate your cooperation in conserving water during this time to ensure adequate supply for all essential functions. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Thank you for your patience and support.

01/30/2025

🚨West Region TRICARE Prime beneficiaries🚨

The Defense Health Agency has issued a waiver for referral pre-authorizations for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries in the West Region. This means your TRICARE-authorized specialty providers don’t need to wait for referrals issued by your primary care manager to be approved before providing care.

Follow these steps to make sure you can get the care you need:
✅Ask your primary care manager for a copy of your referral.
✅Make sure your specialist is a TRICARE-authorized provider.
✅Search TriWest’s provider directory to find a specialist if you need.
✅Take a copy of your referral to your specialist.
✅Take a copy of the TRICARE West Region Referral Approval Waiver Letter to your specialist.

Learn more about this waiver and the exceptions: www.tricare.mil/west

01/23/2025

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in the United States. This month is dedicated to educating individuals about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early detection.

Read how early dectation can help you prevent cervical cancer: https://tripler.tricare.mil/News-Gallery/Articles/Article/4035431/how-early-detection-can-help-prevent-cervical-cancer

U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Anderson, center left, gynecologic oncologist at Tripler Army Medical Center, poses with coworkers Rowena McCartney, a registered nurse; Lisa Lowe, a registered nurse; and Jamie Humes, a staff physician, who work in the Obstretics and Gynocology clinic.

01/22/2025

Meet Fina Pagan, clinical nurse officer in charge in the Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic, and this week's Staff Spotlight!

Ms. Fina Pagan is credited with providing critical assistance to an individual experiencing a medical emergency outside the Pearl Harbor commissary on Dec. 23. After witnessing the incident, Pagan quickly directed someone to call 911 and then helped the individual by ensuring their safety and preventing their condition from worsening. She stayed with the person until Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the individual to the emergency room.

"As a nurse and leader in the orthopaedic department, her actions bestow great credit upon herself with her willingness to provide care to our Ohana whenever and wherever it is needed," wrote the TAMC staff member who nominated Gonzales for the Staff Spotlight.

Mahalo to Ms. Fina Pagan for her selfless act. Her actions exemplify the compassion and dedication of a true healthcare hero.

01/21/2025

We are currently experiencing increased wait times with our appointment scheduling service, Central Appointment Services. Those wait times are generally longest following a long weekend/federal holiday.

Beneficiaries reach Central Appointment Services when they call the Central Appointment Line (888-683-2778) and select Option 1 to schedule a primary care appointment.

Please remember that many primary care appointments may also be scheduled through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, found at https://my.mhsgenesis.health.mil.

Mahalo for your patience!

01/17/2025

We know that some of our beneficiaries have been experiencing difficulties during the TRICARE West contractor transition to TriWest.

Please know that Tripler Army Medical Center staff members are doing their best to assist with the transition whenever possible.

The Defense Health Agency knows many beneficiaries have active referrals in the West Region that have not been authorized by TriWest. All active referrals and pre-authorizations from the previous contractors (Health Net Federal Services or Humana) that were issued before Jan. 1, 2025, will be honored by TriWest and will be valid through their expiration or June 30, 2025, whichever comes first. Our TRICARE Health Plan team is working directly with TriWest to actively process all existing referrals. You can check your referral status or get assistance by visiting the TriWest online or calling 888-874-9378.

For all premium based plans, the DHA has extended the deadline for payment update to February 28th. We urge beneficiaries to take action now through the TriWest portal or TriWest call center at 888-TRIWEST (874-9378), as needed. We are committed to preventing any disruption to beneficiary healthcare coverage and maintaining the high level of service our TRICARE members deserve. No beneficiaries will be disenrolled from TRICARE until DHA reviews each case and concurs with the action.

01/14/2025

We are currently experiencing some technical issues with the Central Appointment Line (888-683-2778) and our appointment scheduling service.

Some callers may experience static, dropped calls, or dead lines after calling the Central Appointment Line and making selections. These issues are caused by impacts the California wildfires are having on phone providers, according to our telephone vendor.

Callers may also experience increased wait times after selecting Option 1 to schedule a primary care appointment via Central Appointment Services. Those wait times are generally longest following a long weekend/federal holiday.

Please remember that the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal can be used to message your provider, schedule some appointments, request prescription renewals, request prescription refills, view lab results, and view upcoming appointments.

WEBSITE: https://my.mhsgenesis.health.mil

Mahalo for your patience as we work through these issues!

U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii | Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

01/14/2025

Meet Tanya Gonzales, a medical support assistant in the Pediatric Specialties Clinic, and this week's Staff Spotlight!

Gonzales schedules patients' appointments, manages cancellations, and coordinates rescheduling requests through the patient portal. She was nominated for being a comforting presence, a reliable point of contact, and an embodiment of patient-centered care.

"Her contributions help make the Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Specialties Clinic, a welcoming and trusted medical home for families. Thank you, Tanya, for your unwavering dedication and for bringing your best to work every day," wrote the TAMC staff member who nominated Gonzales for the Staff Spotlight.

Mahalo for your generosity and hard work, Tanya Gonzales.