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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 21, 2010

359th MDG changes health care provider assignment procedure

By Brian McGloin 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs

When military health care providers head elsewhere for temporary changes of station or temporary duty assignments, it can be difficult and frustrating for their patients.

The 359th Medical Group has a solution to make it easier for patients in the absence of their usual health care providers with the Family Health Initiative.

"FHI is a way to create an enjoyable, productive healthcare environment that promotes a team approach to meeting the patient's healthcare needs," said Maj. Stacy Greene, 359th Medical Group. "The focus is to ensure that our patients are receiving care from their provider when needed."

Major Greene said continuity is the main aspect of FHI.

"Each team consists of two providers and their support staff," Major Greene said. "When one provider is unavailable due to deployment, leave or TDY, then the second provider on the team will see the patients."

The goal with this arrangement is that patients will see the same nurse, technician, provider and family health team every time they visit the clinic. All the patient's medical needs will be met by the FHI team and the patient will not have to worry about seeing a different provider every time they visit the clinic.

"We want our patients to feel like they are part of their own health care team," Major Greene said. "Previously, patients would occasionally find themselves seeing three or more different providers for the same issue."

Before FHI, when someone needed to see a health care professional, they may have had to explain their issue to more than one provider, more than one time.

It was frustrating for the patients and also frustrating for the health care provider since they had to start from the beginning with the patient's issue, often resuming the care started by another doctor, nurse or technician.

"By seeing the same medical experts during every visit, every person on the team will have a better understanding of the needs of the patients and the best approach to treatment," Major Greene said.

To access health care on Randolph, call the Central Appointment Management Office line at 916-9900 or visit www.tricareonline.com to make an appointment.

Active duty personnel can be seen at the 359th Medical Group for all urgent care.