FORT SAM HOUSTON-Texas –
The new Westover Medical Home located off Highway 151 and
Westover Hills Boulevard opened Aug. 10 and the staff is ready and eager to see
more eligible TRICARE beneficiaries.
Community-based medical homes utilize a team approach to
health care with licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, family nurse
practitioners, physician assistants and physicians working together to take
care of patients.
“Customer service is our number one priority here and the
staff was hand selected with that in mind. They really are the best of the
best,” said Dr. Darii A. Lane, chief of the Westover Medical Home. “They are
enthusiastic and motivated and bring a vast diversity of medical and life
experiences. I feel honored to work with this team.”
The medical home model facilitates a successful “system for
health” partnership between patients and their dedicated medical team, led by
their primary care manager to meet preventive, routine and urgent medical
needs.
“We want to create a family atmosphere in the clinic. Our
goal is to make all of our patients feel at home. We treat them as friends and
as family, not just a number,” Lane said.
“The location and the services that we offer here are very
comprehensive. We have a nice mix of providers and nursing staff who have
varied experience,” said Kathryn Joyce, a nurse practitioner for more than 15
years, who has worked in both a civilian and military medical environment.
Irene Fuentez said she was very excited when she found out
about the new clinic opening because it’s less than a mile from her home.
“As soon as I heard that Westover was opening I called in
and transferred my whole family over here,” Fuentez said. “My husband just
recently retired after 30 years in the military and this is very convenient to
where we live. The clinic is beautiful and people are friendly.”
Fuentez said she has always been very happy with the care
she has received from the military healthcare system.
Westover is located on the Northwest side of San Antonio, a
side of town that has been experiencing a steady increase in population over
the past several years.
“Our intent is always to provide the best access to military
medicine for our beneficiaries,” said Anthony O’Bryant, clinic administrator.
“We want to bring the military medical experience closer to their home.”
Sally and Kirt Ricks also visited the new medical home for
the first time.
“This is our first visit today and we are really glad to be
back in the military family,” Sally Ricks said. “Dr. Philippa Augustin
listened, explained things and took her time. I’m very satisfied with the care
I received today.”
“Dr. Augusti spent more time with me to explain what was
going on with my problem than I have ever had any doctor do. I’m much more
informed about my health after one visit here than I have been with several
other doctors,” said Kirk Ricks.
Augustin has spent the majority of her career working within
the military healthcare system.
“I enjoy working in the military system because it’s the
most comprehensive medical coverage anyone can have. Because it’s all on the
same electronic medical record it’s easy for people to get good continuity of
care,” Augustin said.
Westover Medical Home also offers behavioral health
services, on-site laboratory capabilities and a pharmacy. The clinic will also
offer a drive-through pharmacy window and extended evening hours.
“Having behavioral health at this clinic allows easier
access to care for our patients; it also allows us to take a more preventative
role for our patients’ mental health care,” said Dr. Vicky Hsiao, clinical
psychologist.
“I know all of us are excited to enroll as many patients
with as many backgrounds as we can,” Augustin said. “All of us here are family
medicine providers which means we take care of anyone from infancy to the
geriatric population.”
TRICARE beneficiaries who would like to enroll or move to
the new Westover location can visit https://www.humanamilitary.com/ or call 1-800-444-5445.
For beneficiaries age 65 or older, call 210-808-2721 for more information.