Page 21 - Desert Lightning News, So. AZ Edition, Aug. 4 2017

Desert Lightning News August 2017 21 www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb
and that’s OK. When a patient “no-shows” an appoint- ment because it was forgotten, or the member didn’t plan ahead, it prevents family, friends or colleagues from receiving prompt medical care.
The appointment reminder system is designed to notify patients two days prior to a scheduled appoint- ment. Please note, the reminder system uses phone numbers listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, so it is critical to keep information current. Profile information should be kept up to date.
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355th Medical Group: Summer access to care
Members may have noticed a decrease in medical appointment availability at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The 355th Medical Group has been experienc- ing a significant provider staffing shortage in recent months, decreasing the supply of primary care manager appointments.
The manpower shortage is due to permanent changes of station, separations and hard-to-fill provider vacan- cies. The clinic now has 42 percent of providers available in the family health clinic.
The 355th MDG is actively pursuing resources to bridge the gaps and will work hard to achieve acceptable levels of staffing to resume normal operations. This does not affect the pediatrics clinic as they are fully staffed.
Despite the impending difficulties with appointment availability, the medical team will do everything to en- sure safe and timely care is delivered to all beneficiaries. If on-base appointments are not available, a referral may be made to a network partner.
Patients are encouraged to utilize the Nurse Advice Line at 800-TRICARE (874-2273) and TRICARE online patient portal secure messaging as additional options to receive advice and support from the healthcare team.
For information on obtaining a TRICARE online pa- tient portal account, visit http://www.airforcemedicine. af.mil/TOLPatientPortalSecureMessaging/.
To provide timely care, MDG asks for member’s help. First, help increase appointment availability by decreasing no-shows. Failing to show up for scheduled appointments not only impacts everyone’s access to lim- ited services, but is also a waste of valuable tax-payer dollars. We understand that “life happens” and unfore- seen circumstances may cause a missed appointment,
To update profile information, go to www.tricareonline. com. When members no longer need the appointment, they should call the clinic immediately to cancel. Can- celing at least two hours in advance allows providers to offer the appointment to another patient. They can cancel the appointment or send a message to the PCM 24/7. The following options are provided for convenience:
• Log into TRICARE online to book/cancel appoint- ment 24/7
• Cancel appointments after hours by calling the ap- pointment line at 520-228-APPT (2778), option 2. Leave a message and the appointment clerks will cancel the appointment the following morning
• Call the appointment line during duty hours, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., to speak with a member of the team
The 355 MDG is committed to delivering trusted healthcare to every member. MDG looks for ways to improve services and welcomes feedback.
For more information or to share ideas on improv- ing care, email the MDG patient advocate at patient. advocate2@us.af.mil.
Walk-ins are 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. No appoint- ment necessary if for the following reasons:
• Painful urination (females >18 y/o) • Sore throat
• Pregnancy test
• STI screening
• Suture removal
For more information, go to the 355th MDG webpage at http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/MTF/Davis- Monthan.aspx.
Courtesy of 355th Medical Group
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