How Often Do Military Doctors Get Paid?

When it comes to the payment of military doctors, the frequency and structure are influenced by several factors, including the type of physician, the nature of their employment, and the service they provide. Understanding these details is crucial for both healthcare professionals and patients.

Earning Structure for Military Physicians

Like all other members of the US military, uniformed military physicians are paid on a bi-monthly basis. The payment is directly deposited into the bank account of the physician, according to the specific instructions given by the individual.

Civilian physicians who work for the military are paid under the same framework as other military civilians. Their payment is also directly deposited into the designated bank account. This ensures a streamlined and reliable financial process.

Contract physicians who serve the military, holding contracts either directly with the military service or with companies that have contracts with the military, are paid based on their contracts. These contracts outline the exact terms and conditions of payment. As a rule, payment is directly deposited into the bank account specified by the physician.

Types of Physicians Serving the Military

There are essentially three types of physicians who provide care to the military:

Military Physicians

Military physicians are officers employed by the armed services and are paid a rank-based salary, along with a supplementary payment for their medical practice. They do not receive payment based on the number of patients seen or events performed. The standard payment frequency is bi-weekly; however, in some cases, it may be twice a month. This payment method ensures a regular and consistent salary throughout the service period.

Civilian Physicians Contracted by the Military

Civilians contracted by the military to provide care in military hospitals are typically paid a contract salary. This method aligns closely with the payment structure of military officers and follows the same timing and frequency, further maintaining uniformity in the financial practices of the military.

Tricare Contract Physicians

Tricare, the military's health insurance program, contracts with fee-for-service providers to offer healthcare in the private sector. These physicians are paid based on the services provided and then billed by the Tricare system. Payment, in this case, is due immediately after the service is provided and billed. Historically, about 90% of the collected payments are made within 90 days, although Tricare accounts for a small percentage of overall collections.

Conclusion

In summary, the payment frequency and structure for military doctors are determined by the type of physician, the nature of their employment, and the specific arrangements made with the military or Tricare. The bi-monthly direct deposit system ensures transparency and reliability in financial management. Understanding these details helps both healthcare providers and patients navigate the complexities of military and Tricare payments.

References

[1] Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
[2] Military Times
[3] Tricare