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The Family Health Clinic at Ramstein recently stood up the Patient Centered Medical Home care model. This new health care approach is based on patient centered care, which creates a partnership between the patient and their health care team.
The most distinguishing feature of the PCMH model is that patient centered care is supplied by the same health care provider and/or team in order to maintain continuity. The team comprises two providers (one physician and one physician assistant or nurse practitioner), one registered nurse and five medical technicians.
Once you and your family are assigned to a team, the goal is for you to always be seen by that team. Thus far, most patients see the value in maintaining continuity of care and will wait a few days, if needed, in order to get a routine or wellness appointment with their own family health team.
TWO PCMH IMPROVEMENTS:
Nurse-run clinics and expanded technician testing. The PCMH team nurses now have appointments available for acute minor health conditions such as common colds, flu, sore throat, urinary tract ailments and well-baby checks for 3 to 5-day-old newborns. Additionally, the Family Health medical technicians are trained to perform walk-in blood pressure checks, wart treatments and suture removal. Adding these two capabilities has expanded medical access for our enrolled beneficiaries.
The Ramstein Pediatric Clinic offers the same benefit. Pediatrics now has two health care teams each with two pediatric providers, one nurse and four medical technicians. The pediatric PCMH teams provide comprehensive health care for acute and chronic medical conditions and ensure continuity with the same provider team. The clinic has expanded its access to ensure preventive health exams are accomplished in a timely manner. Families are encouraged to bring in their infants for their well baby exams at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months of age.
Customer surveys tell us that the new PCMH program at the Ramstein Clinic has significantly contributed to overall improved patient satisfaction and continuity of care. Patients may schedule a visit with their assigned PCMH team through Tricare Online at www.tricareonline.com or by calling the appointment line at 06371-46-CARE (2273). For more information on what’s going on at the 86th Medical Group, “Like” us on Facebook at “AFMS – Ramstein 86th Medical Group.”
TRUSTWORTHY WEBSITES FOR HEALTH CARE INFORMATION:
• http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/health-tools/search-by-symptom.html: information on diseases, symptoms, prevention/wellness, children, pregnancy & health tools
• www.militaryonesource.com: information on psychiatric counseling, suicide prevention and other deployment/legal/military benefits
• www.healthfinder.gov: discuss health related topics from A to Z
• www.aap.org: site dedicated to health of children with focus on health initiatives, continuing education and professional resources
• www.womanshealth.gov: information on women’s health related topics from A to Z
• www.mypyramid.gov: information on nutrition and dietary guidelines for consumers and professionals
• www.cdc.gov/men/: dedicated topics specific to men’s health
• www.cdc.gov/women/: information specific to women’s health
