Patient Centered Medical Home now at the Holloman Medical Clinic

  • Published
  • By Capt. Summer Rose
  • 49th Medical Group Practice Manager
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Patient Centered Medical Home is a practical way to create an enjoyable healthcare setting using a team method to meet patients' healthcare needs. The focus is to make sure our patients are receiving care from the same provider or team when needed. The PCMH model of care was first introduced in the 1960s and refined over time at some of the nation's top medical clinics such as the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic. There are six teams at Holloman AFB. The Pediatric Clinic is Team Los Niños. The Family Health Clinic has teams Scorpion, Zozobra, Turquoise, Rattler and Zia. All the teams are excited to start this new program.

The key to PCMH is continuity and partnership. The goal is that patients will be cared for by the same technician, nurse, provider and healthcare team every time they visit the clinic. Improved continuity means enhanced medical management. Patients' medical needs will be met by their PCMH teams, and no one will have to worry about seeing a different provider each time they visit the clinic. The 49th MDG wants members to be a part of their own healthcare teams.

In the past, patients would sometimes see three or more different providers for the same issue, having to explain the problem at each visit. These annoying events were tough for both the patients and providers. When patients are seen by the same healthcare team at each visit, each team member will better understand the patient's needs and the best method for care.

To measure the success of PCMH, managers will keep an eye on how often patients visit their personal healthcare team. The 49th MDG wants to be the medical home of choice for patients and to be the workplace of choice for assigned providers and staff. The largest measure of success will be hearing from the patients. The 49th MDG staff asks patients to provide their views on via comment cards, which are located throughout the clinic, or through the ICE portal. Pamphlets located at the clinical front desks, for more information.

Medical Group Increases Appointments Online

Online medical appointments have increased! Members will see a big change in the large number of online appointments for the Family Health and Pediatric Clinics. Register online at www.tricareonline.com and start booking! Active-duty members are able to use their CAC for easy access. Because the continuity of patients' health is vital to the 49th MDG, members will only be able to book appointments with their assigned health team. To book an appointment, call 572-APPT (2778). Please be patient, and when possible, call during off peak hours after 8 a.m.