AF Form 3899B: Patient Movement Physician Orders

AF Form 3899B: Patient Movement Physician Orders – AF Form 3899B, officially titled Patient Movement Physician Orders, is a critical U.S. Air Force medical form used in the aeromedical evacuation (AE) and patient movement system. It serves as a continuation sheet for physician orders when the primary AF Form 3899 (Patient Movement Record) lacks sufficient space.

This form ensures safe, continuous care for patients during ground transport, staging, in-flight phases, and remain-overnight stops within the Department of Defense (DoD) patient movement system, managed through the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and Patient Movement Requirements Centers (PMRCs).

What Is AF Form 3899B Used For?

Military healthcare providers use AF Form 3899B primarily in aeromedical evacuation scenarios to document additional privileged provider orders for patients being moved via air (fixed-wing aircraft such as C-17 or C-130) or associated ground transport. It supports:

  • Routine, Priority, or Urgent patient movements.
  • Continuation of care for inpatients and outpatients in the AE system.
  • Documentation of medications, treatments, equipment needs, and special instructions during en route care.

It is not a standalone form. Providers complete patient demographic information at the top and use it when the main AF Form 3899 runs out of space for orders. The entire 3899 series (including 3899A Progress Notes, 3899B Orders, etc.) becomes part of the patient’s permanent medical record.

Key governing instruction: DAFI 48-107V3 (En Route Care and Aeromedical Evacuation Patient Management) details its use. Related guidance appears in DAFI 48-107V1 and associated Air Force Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (AFTTP).

Who Completes AF Form 3899B?

  • Privileged providers (physicians, flight surgeons, or credentialed advanced practice providers) at the referring Military Treatment Facility (MTF).
  • The form requires clear documentation using Julian date and Zulu time format (e.g., “JD001, 0001Z”), followed by the printed name, middle initial, last name, and provider signature.
  • Allergies (food, medication, environmental, including latex) must be confirmed or documented on the form.

Nurses and aeromedical evacuation crews reference these orders during transport, while the Clearing Flight Surgeon validates overall patient suitability for flight.

Structure and Key Sections of AF Form 3899B

Based on official descriptions and samples from U.S. Air Force and Tripler Army Medical Center resources, the form typically includes:

Section I – Patient Identification

  • Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
  • Grade/Rank
  • Allergies
  • Destination facility or unit
  • Other demographic details matching the primary AF Form 3899

Physician Orders Area

  • Ample space for continued orders related to medications, treatments, diet, activity, monitoring, oxygen requirements, and special precautions.
  • Orders for self-medication (yes/no) with listed medications.
  • Specific instructions for en route care, staging facilities, and handoff at destination.

Reverse Side

  • Additional continuation space for orders and notes.

The form emphasizes completeness: incomplete documentation can delay patient movement through the TRAC2ES system (TRANSCOM Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System).

How AF Form 3899B Fits into the Patient Movement Process?

  1. Identification of Need — A provider at the originating MTF determines the patient requires movement to a higher level of care.
  2. Completion of AF Form 3899 Series — The primary record (AF Form 3899) captures patient history, diagnosis, reason for movement, and initial orders. AF Form 3899B continues orders as needed.
  3. Submission of Patient Movement Request (PMR) — Entered into TRAC2ES with supporting 3899 documentation.
  4. Validation — A validating flight surgeon (VFS) or TPMRC reviews and clears the patient for movement.
  5. Transport — Aeromedical Evacuation crews (AECMs) or Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATT) follow the documented orders.
  6. Handoff and Record — Documentation travels with the patient and integrates into the receiving facility’s records.

All spaces on related forms must be completed to avoid delays. The 3899 series supports both peacetime beneficiary movements and contingency operations.

Why Proper Completion Matters

  • Patient Safety — Clear orders reduce errors in medication administration, equipment use, and monitoring during flight, where conditions like altitude, vibration, and limited resources can affect care.
  • Regulatory Compliance — Follows DAFI 48-107 and DoD patient movement policies.
  • Legal and Quality — Forms become part of the permanent record and support performance improvement reviews.
  • Mission Efficiency — Complete documentation speeds validation and reduces mission disruptions.

Providers must use Zulu time and Julian dates consistently for operational clarity across global time zones.

Download the Official AF Form 3899B

You can download the current version of AF Form 3899B – Patient Movement Physician Orders directly from the official U.S. Air Force e-Publishing site:

→ Download AF Form 3899B PDF

Always verify you are using the latest revision from e-Publishing.af.mil when preparing official documentation. Electronic health record (EHR) systems are preferred when available, but the 3899 series remains the standard paper backup for AE operations.

  • AF Form 3899 — Patient Movement Record (core document)
  • AF Form 3899A — Patient Movement Record Progress Note
  • AF Form 3899C — Patient Movement Physical Assessment
  • AF Form 3899L — Patient Movement Record En Route Critical Care (for CCATT/ERCC patients)

For full guidance, consult the latest DAFI 48-107 volumes on the Air Force e-Publishing website.

Note: This information is for educational and reference purposes for U.S. military medical personnel, aeromedical evacuation teams, and healthcare administrators. Always refer to current Department of the Air Force Instructions (DAFI), local policy, and consult with your facility’s Patient Administration or Medical Regulating Office for mission-specific requirements. Policies and forms can be updated; check official .mil sources regularly.

Last updated reference based on DAFI 48-107V3 (2020) and supporting publications. For the most current operational guidance, review the latest instructions on e-Publishing.af.mil.