355th MDG partners with MHC during shortage

  • Published
  • By 355th Fighter Wing
  • Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Recent reductions in medical providers due to provider changes in station and transition at the 355th Medical Group is straining access to care.

At this time the 355th MDG is short six Primary Care Managers and about 5,000 beneficiaries are affected by this shortage. The priority remains with active duty members as they prepare themselves to deploy and continue to fight the war on terrorism.

"While our goal is to provide prompt and quality health care, the demand for appointments greatly exceeds the number of appointments available," said Lt. Col. Althea Miller, 355th Medical Operations Squadron commander.

In an effort to ensure that all 5,000 patients have continued access to health care, the 355th MDG partnered with Marana Health Care at nine sites within Tucson. Arrangements with MHC have been made for non-active duty beneficiaries to be seen for routine and wellness appointments.

For acute medical needs, urgent care facilities in Tucson may be used. All visits to MHC and urgent care centers require an authorization which can be obtained by calling the 355th MDG appointment line at 228-2778.

"We are doing everything possible to see as many patients as we can," said Colonel Miller. "Timely access to quality care is still our number one priority, which is why we are partnering with MHC."

Patients seen off base still have the option to come back for any lab work, radiology, or pharmacy needs if they wish to do so.

"We apologize for any inconvenience our patients may experience, as their health care is very important to us. We are working hard to get our arms around this challenge and continue to explore every means to fill provider vacancies. The 355th MDG looks forward to the time when we can welcome all enrolled beneficiaries back on base for their primary care needs," she said.