6 Nov 2007

Online resource can help deal with life's challenges

A new online educational resource offers Tricare beneficiaries a secure, safe environment to seek information, educational materials and self-assessment tools on behavioral health, addiction and recovery, life events and daily living skills. "AchieveSolutions" can be accessed through the behavioral health link in the beneficiary resources area of

6 Nov 2007

Tricare adds coverage for breast cancer MRI screenings

Recognizing the importance of early detection, officials from the Tricare Management Activity recently changed its policy adding coverage for Magnetic Resonance Imaging screening for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society has clear guidelines defining high risk, which doctors can use to determine who qualifies

6 Nov 2007

Hanscom applies AFSO21 principles to improve patient access

"What is better for the patient?" was the question that was asked repeatedly during the 66th Medical Group's three-day Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century workshop held here Oct. 3-5. The event focused on the flow of primary care patients through the Hanscom Clinic, a process that has been challenging for the clinic, said 66th Medical

6 Nov 2007

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs visits Air Force Theater Hospital

Newly appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, visited service members and staff at the Air Force Theater Hospital here, Oct. 4. Adm. Mullen said he wanted to get a good focus on what is concerning service members and their families. "I came to thank them for a job well done," said Adm. Mullen. "Some have been

27 Sep 2007

Bagram medical staff 'Smooth Operators'

The Task Force Med operating room staff at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital display the true meaning of teamwork, as they care for wounded American and Afghan patients here. Nicknamed the "Smooth Operators," the team arrived in May and made the surgical suite mission-ready in less than 48 hours. From May to August, the "Smooth Operators,"

27 Sep 2007

Wilford Hall opens Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center

Cutting-edge laser eye surgery procedures for active-duty servicemembers are now available as 59th Medical Wing officials opened the first Department of Defense Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center Aug. 23 here. The $2.7 million renovated facility houses the most advanced technology available for refractive surgery with three temperature and

27 Sep 2007

Air Force medical group saves thousands with AFSO 21

Members of the Fairchild Air Force Base medical group saved more than $75,000 in emergency room visit costs over the past year through a just-do-it initiative, a program associated with Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century. Through patient education and training, the 92nd Medical Group staff is making great strides toward more efficiency

27 Sep 2007

Balad collects first AOR plasma donation

Donating platelets is a way of life for some Airmen and Soldiers here. Once a month, these volunteers stop by the donation center at the Air Force Theater Hospital, hop into a chair and sit for up to two hours while platelets are removed from their blood. Recently, one Airman experienced a first when he became the first plasma donor in the area of

27 Sep 2007

Course focuses on trauma training for nurses, medics

To accommodate a large number of Airmen departing Wilford Hall Medical Center for Air Expeditionary Force 9/10, 59th Medical Wing leaders implemented a trauma pre-deployment course Aug. 16 for nurses and medical technicians. The course is a condensed version of the Department of Defense's Emergency War Surgery Course (nursing track) that is offered

27 Sep 2007

Dover medical officer selected for 'Why We Serve'

A medical nurse practitioner from the 436th Medical Dental Operations Squadron here was selected Sept. 19 to participate in the Department of Defense's national civic outreach program 'Why We Serve' and share her war-related story with the American public. During her deployment, Major Potter served as the women's health practitioner at Balad Air