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Medical staff chief addresses joint base community's concerns

  • Published
  • By Maj. (Dr.) Eric Sherman
  • 87th Medical Group
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  I hope everyone had a healthy and happy holiday season. By now, you are likely aware that the Lourdes Medical Associates after-hours clinic temporarily closed its doors Dec. 31, 2012. I would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of the multiple ways that the 87th Medical Group can meet your healthcare needs.

We currently have four active-duty pediatric providers and access to care in the pediatric clinic has never been better. Capt. Kristine Andrews, a 87th MDG pediatric provider, completed her pediatric residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and moved here this summer. Andrews is excited about the Patient Centered Medical Home experience here.

"I grew up as a military child and am excited to help take care of other military children now," said Andrews. "I am glad that we have improved access to care and can now book follow-up appointments for patients before they leave."

We have implemented MiCare, which allows you to communicate with your healthcare team via email 24/7. We recently received level-3 recognition (the highest level of recognition) from the National Center for Quality Assurance for our family health Patient Centered Medical Home team.

If you have medical needs after normal business hours, 6:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., several options are currently available. Most people remember to dial 911, or go to the nearest emergency room, when faced with a life-threatening situation. In life-threatening situations, every second counts, which is why emergency care for a TRICARE beneficiary does not require a referral. If you have a medical emergency (concern for loss of life, limb or eyesight), please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What are you supposed to do if your son or daughter develops a fever or cough or ear pain and the 87th MDG is closed? The 87th MDG has a provider on call 24/7 who can be reached at (866) DRS-APPT. The on-call provider can offer medical advice to you over the phone and can authorize a visit to an urgent care facility, if medically necessary. If you are not able to reach the on-call provider, you can call TRICARE at (877) TRICARE and they may also authorize urgent care visits.

Although there may be occasions where urgent care utilization is necessary, there are downsides to a "doc-in-a-box."

"Urgent care providers are not aware of your past medical history, nor do they have access to prior labs, consults or records," said Maj. Charlene Chick, 87th MDG family practice physician. "You may have to return to the clinic if symptoms do not resolve, and it would be better to be seen by a provider who has already seen you for the same issue."

Five family health teams are at the medical group and acute appointments are available every day. We have providers who are excited to meet your needs and we strongly encourage you to give your healthcare teams the opportunity to take care of you and your family.