Help the 49th MDG help you

  • Published
  • By the 49th Medical Group
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Enhancing access to quality care is part of the 49th MDG's mission, and the clinic continues to strive for this ease of access despite its current challenges.

Even with limited amount of human resources and clinical services, the 49th MDG created more than 51,000 medical appointments for 16 clinics and specialties in 2009.

Furthermore, there were approximately 40,200 visits to the clinic and 8,500 calls triaged through the Nurse Advice Line, and the 49th MDG referred 7,000 TRICARE beneficiaries to the network in 2009 due to increasing demand for urgent and emergency care.

Beneficiaries can also play a role in enhancing access to quality care. Below are a list of tips the 49th MDG has compiled to help the 49th MDG help you!

1. Utilize the latest edition of the Take Care of Yourself book to determine whether your medical need requires an appointment. This book is available from your provider upon request.

2. Commanders and supervisors of active duty personnel have the authority to give 24 hours sick status per AFI 41-210 par. 3.6.4. If an AD member's condition does not improve despite adequate home care treatment, he or she can contact Central Appointments or book an appointment online.

3. Acute appointments are designed for urgent medical issues that a provider needs to see within 24 hours and are not intended for any other purpose such as referrals, regular follow-ups, etc.

4. Be specific and honest when requesting for an appointment. The medical staff uses this information to assess your medical condition.

5. Plan ahead and arrive on time for your appointment. Please be advised that you could get rescheduled and be considered a no-show if you arrive late. If you need to cancel your medical appointment, call Central Appointments at least two business hours prior to your appointment.

6. Have at least four weeks of medication on hand to prepare for any appointment delays, unexpected temporary duty, deployments, leave or pending test results.

7. Coordinate with your unit fitness program monitor if you are unable to do your physical training test due to a future appointment that could potentially place you on a medical profile. Refrain from calling the clinic requesting to be seen sooner for a profile as such appointments are not considered urgent in nature.

8. AD members do not need a profile to be temporarily excused from squadron or group PT due to an illness or minor injury. Supervisors can authorize them to not participate in the interim.

9. Schedule your physical exams at least two to three months prior to your final out-processing date for those who plan to retire, separate or are making a permanent change of station.

10. Register your newborn as soon as possible both in the Military Personnel Flight and in the clinic to prevent delays in medical care. To register, bring your child's birth certificate.

11. Courtesy and respect work both ways. The 49th MDG is constantly striving to provide outstanding customer service to its beneficiaries. If you prefer to speak to a Patient Advocate regarding a concern or constructive feedback/suggestion, there are representatives available at each clinic/section. You can also visit the TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration office during normal business hours.