Health care still a priority with 20th MDG Published March 21, 2008 By 1st Lt. Stephanie Stemen 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Medical Group is proud to serve the men and women of Shaw, their families and the retired military population in the Sumter area. As with any other organization in today's military, the 20th MDG experiences manpower shortages due to deployments, permanent change of station and retirements. After deploying several health care providers within the last two months, the 20th MDG is currently in one of those shortages, said Col. Lane Rogers, 20th MDG commander. Although numerous actions have been taken and are ongoing to secure more providers, the next few months are going to require an effort from all of team Shaw. Every part of a medical facility is affected when there is a shortage of providers; the patients feel this in numerous ways to include longer hold times on the appointment lines and longer waits for appointments, he said. Below is a list of helpful hints and information that may save time and ease frustration. - If possible, refrain from calling the 895-CARE line during peak hours, which are 7 to 10 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. - If you cannot make a scheduled appointment, cancel as soon as possible; missed appointments reduce access for others. - According to Air Force instruction 41-210, Patient Administration Functions, unit commanders and supervisors have the authority to grant up to 24 hours of sick status at their discretion if a member's illness or injury does not require Medical Treatment Facility intervention. - When all appointments at the 20th MDG have been booked, non-active duty patients may be directed to a local urgent care center to ensure expedient and quality health care. - Active duty members continue to have priority and will be seen at the 20th MDG during duty hours; acute needs will be addressed within 24 hours. Any questions regarding access may be directed to the Group Practice Manager at 895-6529.
Health care still a priority with 20th MDG Published March 21, 2008 By 1st Lt. Stephanie Stemen 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Medical Group is proud to serve the men and women of Shaw, their families and the retired military population in the Sumter area. As with any other organization in today's military, the 20th MDG experiences manpower shortages due to deployments, permanent change of station and retirements. After deploying several health care providers within the last two months, the 20th MDG is currently in one of those shortages, said Col. Lane Rogers, 20th MDG commander. Although numerous actions have been taken and are ongoing to secure more providers, the next few months are going to require an effort from all of team Shaw. Every part of a medical facility is affected when there is a shortage of providers; the patients feel this in numerous ways to include longer hold times on the appointment lines and longer waits for appointments, he said. Below is a list of helpful hints and information that may save time and ease frustration. - If possible, refrain from calling the 895-CARE line during peak hours, which are 7 to 10 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. - If you cannot make a scheduled appointment, cancel as soon as possible; missed appointments reduce access for others. - According to Air Force instruction 41-210, Patient Administration Functions, unit commanders and supervisors have the authority to grant up to 24 hours of sick status at their discretion if a member's illness or injury does not require Medical Treatment Facility intervention. - When all appointments at the 20th MDG have been booked, non-active duty patients may be directed to a local urgent care center to ensure expedient and quality health care. - Active duty members continue to have priority and will be seen at the 20th MDG during duty hours; acute needs will be addressed within 24 hours. Any questions regarding access may be directed to the Group Practice Manager at 895-6529.