COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON PROVISION OF CARE UNDER THE TRICARE PROGRAM.

SEC. 712. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON PROVISION OF CARE UNDER THE TRICARE PROGRAM. Not later than March 31, 2003, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an evaluation of the nature of, reasons for, extent of, and trends regarding network provider instability under the TRICARE program, and the effectiveness of efforts by the Department of Defense 116 STAT. 2589and managed care support contractors to measure and mitigate such instability. The evaluation shall include a discussion of the following: (1) The adequacy of measurement tools of TRI CARE network instability and their use by the Department of Defense and managed care support contractors to assess network adequacy and stability. (2) Recommendations for improvements needed in measurement tools or their application. (3) The relationship of reimbursement rates and administration requirements (including preauthorization requirements) to TRICARE network instability. (4) The extent of problems under the TRICARE program and likely future trends with and without intervention using existing authority. (5) Use of existing authority by the Department of Defense and TRICARE managed care support contractors to apply higher reimbursement rates in specific geographic areas. (6) Recommendations for specific fiscally prudent measures that could mitigate negative trends or improve provider and network stability.