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Ribbon cutting reveals new advancements, VA partnership at medical group

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Medical Group reveals renovations, new technology and new partnerships during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the radiology department June 6.

The group completed renovation to the ambulance services department, and with the help of the Department of Veterans Affairs received new magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography technology.

"The radiology department received the MRI and CT equipment due to a Joint Incentive Fund with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Air Force in 2010," said Lt. Col. Shannon Phares, 325th Medical Support Squadron commander. "This was possible due to a business case analysis that was done showing that the beneficiary and VA population at Tyndall and in Bay County could support both modalities with MRI contracted manning and blue-suit manning for the CT."

"The purpose of having VA/Defense Department collaboration is to improve access to quality health care for the veterans we serve, while reducing cost for both departments," said Cindy Cook, VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System's VA/DOD resource sharing coordinator.

Tyndall's radiology department has its own in-house radiologist who evaluates patients' scans. If there is something out of the radiologist's scope, the medical group has a radiology group in the Panama City area that will do the reads for them.

"The CT is the only 64-slice CT in Bay County, making it the top CT around this area," Colonel Phares said. "The MRI was operational in August 2012 and currently, we are averaging 140 MRI studies a month that are being done with a projected annual cost savings of approximately $660,000. The CT was just up and running January 2013 and an initial cost savings seen from January to March is $64,000."

"Leveraged with our Checkertail medics' outstanding clinical skills, the new MRI and CT provide mission-winning support for more than 36,000 eligible Airmen, families, and retired patriots," said Col. Paul Skala, 325th Medical Group commander. "Clearly, this DOD/VA partnership is exactly what is needed in these challenging financial times, and I am confident it will pay dividends for many years to come."

"As a result of this joint collaboration, veterans enrolled at the Panama City Community Based Outpatient Clinic benefit from the high-quality, state of the art MRI and CT services provided by the 325th Medical Group," Ms. Cook said. "We appreciate the 325th Medical Group's effort in helping us bring quality care closer to where our veterans live."

Ms. Cook added that before this partnership was in place with the 325th MDG, Bay County veterans may have had to travel to VA facilities in Pensacola, Fla., or as far as Biloxi, Miss., for medical treatment or evaluation.

Veterans can only be seen at Tyndall by referral through their VA Primary Care Provider at the Panama City Outpatient Clinic. They also must be enrolled for VA health care benefits.
A Veteran's eligibility rating determines their individual co-pay, if they are subject to co-pays. However, Veterans referred for a service connected condition disability will incur no cost for this care.

Additionally, MRI services will be provided at no cost to the VA until July 2014. Those costs were included in the Joint Incentive Fund that was awarded for this collaboration.

"I am extremely proud of the innovative spirit of our Airmen that ignited our joint partnership with the VA to purchase this multi-million dollar diagnostic capability for our base and community," Colonel Skala said.

"This is a unique opportunity to have this capability in such a small clinic, and it has been tremendously beneficial to our patients," said Colonel Phares. "The ambulance services department renovations is also a great asset."

The construction began July 2012 and was completed in April 2013. The renovations were made to help improve response times due to the proximity to ambulances and gear.

Supplies are kept in one area now and with the open layout it is easier to move around; more direct route to both exits, Colonel Phares explained.

"The quality of life improvement is excellent due to the upgrade to the department with improved kitchenette area, dedicated for eating; shower area much larger and easier to move around; and bedrooms are away from the door for better quality sleep," Colonel Phares said. "Overall, it's now a great environment for our first responders."

For questions regarding Veterans health care benefits through VA, our Panama City VA Clinic's number is 850-636-7000, or Veterans can visit http://www.va.gov/health/. Follow the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System on Facebook: www.facebook.com/vabiloxi.