MDG forum engages patients

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The 22nd Medical Group hosted its second quarter forum at the Robert J. Dole Community Center ballroom July 19, 2012, as part of an effort to raise awareness of medical group operations on base.

The event was open to all TRICARE beneficiaries, whether active duty, retired or civilian. It was an opportunity to have any questions or complaints for the medical group to be answered, said Col. Charles Carlton, 22nd MDG commander.

"We want to increase awareness to patients as to what is going on in the medical group," said Carlton. "Our goal is to provide the highest quality care to our customers."

Carlton explained his personal philosophy of individual care and how the medical group operates under his command to the attendants at the forum.

One of Carlton's main points was the planned installation of a joint Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs health care center. The building would contain a fully operational emergency room which would be the only one on McConnell.

The new health care center would allow emergency personnel quick access onto the flightline or any other area on base in the event of an accident, said Carlton.

There were several other major topics that were discussed during the forum, such as the switch from TRIWEST health care to United Health Care and the 22nd MDG becoming a smoke-free campus.

Beneficiaries were also educated on the base pharmacy procedures and rules, the benefits of the Health and Wellness Center, and general patient safety.

"We want to educate and reeducate our beneficiaries and base population," said Cap. John Bernabe, TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration flight commander. "Any questions or complaints people have about the medical group can be sorted out here."

For more information on the 22nd MDG, visit the group website www.mcconnell.af.mil/units/medicalservices.asp or call (316) 579-6300 for the Clinic main line.