Summer changes for Eielson clinic Published June 16, 2009 By Lt. Col. Kathleen Craver 354th Medical Group EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- This summer, the 354th Medical Group will be deploying personnel in support of Air Force missions around the world. Having fewer providers will especially impact same-day access for acute care. The 354th Medical Group has partnered with Fairbanks Urgent Care Clinic to expand healthcare options for dependents. Beginning now and continuing over the next few months, when calling for a same-day appointment, patrons will likely be referred to the UCC. The MDG advises Icemen to use this option for minor illnesses and injuries instead of emergency services at Bassett Army Community Hospital. Bassett Emergency room is for situations involving threatened loss of life, limb or eyesight. Appointments for follow-up care, routine appointments, physicals, physical health assessments, well-baby checks, new OB appointments etc. will continue to be available without noticeable interruption in availability. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions: Why should I use the UCC instead of the emergency room at Bassett? - Emergencies must come first, so if Icemen go to Bassett for a non-emergent illness or injury, they risk waiting an average of two hours to see a provider. Army personnel are also deployed leaving fewer providers to see beneficiaries in the local area. In contrast, the average wait time at UCC is 30 minutes. How do I get a referral for the Urgent Care Clinic? - If Icemen call for a same-day appointment and the MDG is booked for the day, appointment services will offer to send a request for UCC to their PCM nurse. The PCM team nurse will contact the patient to discuss symptoms and work to determine the best healthcare option. If a referral is necessary, the team nurse will contact the referral management office. Eligible beneficiaries must have a referral prior to going to UCC. Active duty personnel and Tricare for Life beneficiaries are not authorized to use UCC. What happens after my referral request is sent to the referral management office? - A referral manager will call the patient shortly after receiving the request from the PCM nurse. When expecting a call from the nurse or the referral management office, give a good contact number. After talking to the referral manager, pawill be given a referral number. The referral manager will then fax a referral to UCC. You are NOT authorized to go to the UCC prior to talking with the referral manager. When can I use my referral once it has been sent to the UCC? - Referrals are good for same-day care only. Patients can be seen at the UCC on weekdays at any time until9 p.m. Where is the UCC? When is the UCC open? - The Fairbanks Urgent Care Center is at 1867 Airport Way #130B, past the Regal Goldstream movie theater. The phone number is 452-2178. The Fairbanks Urgent Care Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday for MDG beneficiaries. Patients can be seen any time during these hours. What about weekends? - UCC is an option for weekday use only. In an emergent situation over the weekend, on a holiday, wing down day or after hours, Bassett ER is available. As always, Eielson provides 24-hour on-base ambulance service for emergencies. There is also a provider on call after hours. When should I call an ambulance? - Remember, an emergency is a threatened loss of life, limb or eyesight such as trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness. In an emergency, call 911 to reach ambulance services. When calling from a cell phone, remember to tell dispatch you are on Eielson. It is the 354th MDGs goal to provide the best care possible. To help Airman and their dependents care for minor illnesses at home such as colds, flu and allergies, they offer Self-Initiated Care Kit program through which they can receive self-care instruction, a self-care reference book and non-prescription medications. Call 377-6529/6646 to schedule.