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20th MDG integrates physicians, squadrons

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn R.C. Reaves
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Family healthcare providers assigned to the 20th Medical Operations Squadron began transitioning to a patient care empanelment model, fall 2017.

The model aligns providers in the family health section with patients based on the service member’s assigned squadron, with each provider managing between 400 and 900 active-duty members.

For example, most Airmen assigned to the 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron will be assigned to the same primary care manager. Family members are expected to be assigned to the same PCM as their sponsor.

With the model change comes an integrated operational support initiative, which includes providers conducting visits to units. These visits may entail face-to-face periodic health assessments or education on common issues in the unit, such as back pain experienced by aircraft maintainers.


One of the downsides of the previous model was that many PCMs did not know what was really going on in the work centers, said Capt. (Dr.) Matthew Kolok, 20th MDOS family health physician.

Maj. (Dr.) Eva Chatman, 20th Medical Group medical staff chief, said, “Now, because my providers are going out to the unit and doing shop visits, they’re understanding what that unit does on a day-to-day basis and how they play into the mission.”

These visits also foster positive communication between squadron leaders and care teams.

When a PCM develops a working relationship with commanders or first sergeants, they can speak to the intent of their recovery directions and help Airmen receive duty-limiting conditions, or profiles, unique to their work, said Kolok.

This rapport can also help leaders understand what challenges their Airmen face.

“It gives the commanders a point of contact for medical education,” said Chatman.

Commanders can call assigned PCMs for questions about topics such as convalescent leave, medical evaluation boards or overall squadron health and readiness, said Chatman.

The number of squadrons a PCM provides care for will depend on the size of each squadron. However, not all patients will see a change.

Retirees are planned to be assigned to the same PCMs they had before the changes, said Chatman. In addition, some family members and service members may not be aligned with the rest of their squadron based on preferences such as a female patient requesting a female provider.

With this patient and PCM alignment update, the 20th MDG provides Team Shaw members trusted care tailored to individual needs by improving organization and promoting the understanding of how military duties affect health.