Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians · MEDICAL
CIHA Purchased and Referred Care (PRC)
Pays for specialist and hospital care obtained outside the CIHA system when services are not locally available. Covers nephrology, ENT, gastroenterology, OB/GYN, and other specialties. Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance must be billed first; PRC covers remaining eligible costs after coordination of benefits. A referral from a CIHA primary care provider is required before seeking outside care.
Who's eligible
IHS-Eligible Geographic
Enrolled EBCI members, and federally recognized tribal members who reside within the 5-county PRC delivery area (Jackson, Swain, Cherokee, Graham, and Haywood counties, NC) with documented social/economic ties to EBCI. Referral from a CIHA provider required. Do not seek outside specialty care before receiving prior authorization — services obtained without authorization are generally not covered.
Where it's offered
County
Primary service area Jackson, Swain, Cherokee, Graham counties NC. PRC eligibility extends to Haywood County for federally recognized tribal members with EBCI ties; call to confirm Haywood eligibility.
Location:
1 Hospital Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
How to apply
Referral must be initiated by a CIHA provider at 828-497-9163. Billing questions: ext. 6279. Always obtain a PRC referral before seeking outside specialty care.
Phone In-Person
Contact
Phone: 828-497-9163
Last verified against the official source on 2026-05-16.
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