LRMC docs strengthen ties with host nation providers

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, TRICARE and International SOS recently hosted the annual Network Provider Event, bringing more than 40 host nation physicians and other healthcare providers from throughout Europe to meet their counterparts at LRMC. “The network providers in Germany, Italy and Belgium routinely augment LRMC’s capabilities and help us ensure that comprehensive and convenient primary care and specialty care services are available for our patients,” said Col. Louis Martinez, LRMC Deputy Commander for Clinical Service. “U.S. service members, Department of Defense employees, retirees and family members rely on LRMC and host nation providers to get the high quality medical care they deserve.” For more than a decade, this event has also showcased LRMC’s appreciation for the team of host nation providers who are crucial to the success of LRMC’s readiness and healthcare mission. 

LRMC leaders formally recognized providers from the Kaiserslautern community and Netherlands Aug. 18 with framed certificates of appreciation signed by Martinez and the LRMC Commander, Col. Timothy Hudson. “These certificates signify our sincere gratitude to host nation providers for partnering with us to take great care of our patients,” said Martinez.“It is vital to maintain strong ties between our staff and the host nation providers who collaborate in caring for our patients.”

The Network Provider Event provides an informal environment for LRMC providers to connect with their network counterparts, build relationships and exchange expertise. “To put a face with a name makes communication easier,” said Dr. Thomas Kriebel, Chief of Pediatrics at Westpfalz Klinikum in Kaiserslautern. “When you call an American doctor about a patient you have both seen, it is better because you already know them. I think it helps us work more efficiently for the patients and makes it easier for everyone.”

The end result of the Network Provider Event is a cooperative continuum of care that optimizes patients’ complete healthcare experience.

“Now they have the relationship to start a meaningful dialogue between the entire care team, at LRMC and in the local community. This helps everyone get the right care to the right patient at the right time,” Maj. John Broussard, LRMC chief of managed care.

While the annual network provider event is a venue for expressing appreciation to network providers and creating an environment that facilitates provider-to-provider collaboration, it is just a seed. Each year, the seed cultivated by the event manifests in growth and true value for LRMC patients in the form of well-planned, coordinated, safe and effective health care.