RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The process for Air Force physical health assessments has changed but the purpose is still to make sure Airman are of sound mind and body and have no existent problems that would prevent them from deploying.
Airmen are expected to undergo a PHA at least once a year, allowing medical personnel to examine and talk with them as a means of assessing their overall health.
A change to be implemented Aug. 1 will allow people undergoing the exam to spend one-on-one time with health practitioners instead of the current process that puts people in groups for their PHA.
"The requirements for the PHA will basically be the same, but hopefully the individuals will feel more comfortable being face-to-face, one-on-one for the evaluation," said Major James Kopp, Chief of Staff, 12th Medical Group.
Major Kopp said the Randolph Clinic conducts approximately 3,000 PHAs each year. After vital statistics such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature are collected; groups of 10-20 individuals are put in a conference room together for the assessments.
"I just had mine done a week ago and things went smoothly, but I think the new process will be better for everyone," said Captain Valerie Cavasos, executive officer to the 12th Med. Group commander. "I think it will serve the Airmen better. I think it will give them a little more time to go over things they might not be as comfortable talking about in front of a group."
During the PHA, after vitals are taken by a medical technician, Airmen congregate on the second floor at the Randolph Clinic to watch a short video inside a conference room. When the video is completed, a question-and-answer session finalizes the PHS process.
"The Surgeon General of the Air Force has indicated that Airman should do this once a year and the PHA, at its basic level, is simply an administrative thing," Major Kopp said. "We gather information, determine what medical care, if any, is needed, and set up what needs to take place."
Airmen are notified when they are due for a PHA through global e-mail, which clearly lists contact information and instructions on how to complete the process. Major Kopp added that for most PHAs, the servicemembers are deemed to be healthy and that's the end of it until next year.
Active duty military are required to receive medical care at a military facility. Any secondary or tertiary care will likely occur elsewhere and sites in the San Antonio area where that could happen are Brooke Army Medical Center on Fort Sam Houston, Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base or Brooks City Base.