A PCS involving an Exceptional Family Member Program enrollee requires more than finding a provider near the new installation. Families may need to coordinate assignment requirements, healthcare, education, medication, equipment, and community support while preserving continuity during travel.
Start early and work through official EFMP channels. Online research can support the process, but it does not replace assignment coordination or confirmation from the responsible offices.
Update information before making assumptions
Confirm that required EFMP enrollment information and supporting documentation are current. Contact the service-specific EFMP office for instructions and deadlines. The Military OneSource EFMP page (opens in a new tab) explains the program's major components and connects families to official resources.
EFMP generally involves identification and enrollment, assignment coordination, and family support. Those functions are related but not interchangeable. A family may need to work with more than one office.
Build a continuity-of-care file
Ask current providers which records will help the receiving team understand ongoing needs. Organize:
- Current medication and dosage lists
- Provider and pharmacy contact information
- Recent evaluations and treatment summaries
- Medical equipment details and supplier contacts
- Referral or authorization information
- School individualized education program or 504 records, when applicable
- Therapy plans and recent progress summaries
- Emergency instructions and required supplies
Carry essential documents, medications, equipment, and supplies during travel. Do not place them in household goods. Transfer protected records only through secure, approved methods.
Research the destination through official channels
Use EFMP & Me (opens in a new tab) to create customized checklists and locate resources for major life events. Find the gaining installation's EFMP family support, school liaison, medical contacts, and other offices through MilitaryINSTALLATIONS (opens in a new tab).
For healthcare, review TRICARE's moving guidance (opens in a new tab) and verify provider availability through official TRICARE channels. A provider appearing in a directory does not guarantee the needed capability, appointment timing, or acceptance of new patients.
Ask the gaining contacts about:
- Availability of the required specialty or therapy
- Referral and authorization requirements
- Wait times for new patients
- Pharmacy and medical-equipment support
- School evaluation and enrollment procedures
- Installation and community family-support services
- Transportation time to recurring care
Coordinate school services separately
Medical assignment coordination does not enroll a child in school or automatically transfer school-based services. Contact the gaining school liaison and school district early. Request current records and ask what the receiving district needs to begin its process.
Keep copies of education records accessible during the move. Avoid sending a child's detailed information to unofficial groups or posting it publicly while seeking recommendations.
Prepare for the transition period
Build a plan for the weeks between departure and established care. Discuss medication supply, travel considerations, and safe continuity steps with qualified providers. Identify urgent and emergency options along the route and near temporary lodging.
If equipment or temperature-sensitive supplies are involved, confirm transportation, storage, power, and delivery arrangements. Plan for delays without changing treatment independently.
Use a final confirmation checklist
- EFMP documentation and required updates completed
- Losing and gaining EFMP contacts saved
- TRICARE move steps reviewed
- Receiving providers contacted and availability verified
- Medication and equipment plan confirmed
- School records and liaison contacts prepared
- Essential records and supplies packed for hand carry
- Temporary lodging checked for accessibility needs
- Backup plan documented for delays
The goal is not to predict every problem. It is to know who owns each part of the transition and what the family will do if the preferred plan is delayed.
Source review date: September 2026
This article provides general planning information, not medical, legal, or assignment advice. Mil Marketplace is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. Army or Department of Defense. Follow current service-specific EFMP, medical, education, and assignment guidance.
