JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 87th Medical Group has launched a groundbreaking Same Day Acute Care service, transforming healthcare delivery for eligible beneficiaries.
Moving beyond the traditional appointment-based system – still available for routine checkups and preventative care – the new clinic offers a walk-in, on-demand service for immediate healthcare needs, with no appointment necessary.
In its first month, the clinic treated 1,374 patients, highlighting its immediate impact.
Designed for non-life-threatening acute conditions, the Same Day Acute Care clinic addresses ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, and minor injuries. This eliminates the need to wait days for an appointment and, at the same time, reduces the number of off-base urgent care visits.
"The Same Day Acute Care service demonstrates our dedication to providing accessible and timely healthcare to our warfighters and their families," said Col. Ann McManis, 87th Medical Group commander. "We're committed to ensuring they receive the care they need, when they need it, to maintain their health and readiness."
This initiative reflects the medical group’s commitment to patient-centered care and continuous improvement. By streamlining access for acute conditions, the medical group aims to reduce wait times, improve patient satisfaction and optimize resource allocation.
"This service addresses the need for immediate care, while also allowing us to be fiscally responsible," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Poe, 87th MDG chief administrator and Medical Support Squadron commander. "By reducing our dependence on outside urgent care facilities, the Same Day Acute Care service allows us to better allocate resources and provide even more comprehensive care within our medical group."
The clinic is staffed by experienced healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and medical technicians, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.
Key Benefits:
- Improved access: Immediate attention for acute conditions without appointments.
- Reduced wait times: Minimizes delays compared to traditional scheduling.
- Convenience: A readily available option for immediate care needs.
- Reduced Urgent Care visits: Provides an alternative for non-emergency issues.
- Enhanced satisfaction: Contributes to a more positive patient experience.
- Faster return to duty: Active-duty members benefit from rapid treatment, minimizing downtime and accelerating their return to essential duties, directly supporting mission readiness.
These benefits allow active personnel a faster return to duty, minimizing disruption to their responsibilities and thereby contributing to overall operational effectiveness. Addressing acute issues swiftly prevents escalation and reduces the need for more extensive treatment and time away from their vital tasks.
The 87th Medical Group encourages all eligible beneficiaries to use this new service. Information regarding hours of operation and accepted conditions can be found on the 87th Medical Group's website at https://mcguiredixlakehurst.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Primary-Care or by calling 866-377-2778.
The launch of the Same Day Acute Care service represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. By prioritizing beneficiary needs and embracing innovation, the 87th Medical Group is setting a new standard for accessible, efficient and patient-centered care, ensuring the health and readiness of those who serve and their families.