Checkertail medics launch S.I.C.K. program Published April 8, 2013 By Col. Paul Skala 325th Medical Group commander TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- From the beginning of our Air Force in 1947, the creative innovation of our Airmen has been the key to Air Dominance and our lifeblood of mission success. In the constrained fiscal environment we find ourselves in today, the innovative spirit of our Airmen is vital to maximizing the effects of airpower in defense of our nation. From a medical group perspective, it is clear our Checkertail Medics understand the importance of innovation as we have realized significant dividends from their creative efforts. Two recent examples include partnering with the University of Tennessee Lean For Healthcare division to streamline our patient flow and referral management processes in Family Health, Pediatrics, Women's Health, and TRICARE, while also activating a medical aid station at Silver Flag to provide on-site support. Another example of an exciting Airmen-driven innovation is our new Self-Initiated Care Kit (S.I.C.K.) program as described by one of our primary care managers, Dr. (Capt.) Preston Wilson below. The 325th Medical Group S.I.C.K. program is a patient-centered initiative designed to expedite care and alleviate symptoms of illnesses that can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications. The S.I.C.K program is available to all patients enrolled to our Family Health, Flight Medicine, and Pediatric clinics including active duty (non-flyers/non-PRP), dependents, and retirees. During cold and flu season, and now during allergy season, it is not uncommon for patients to have to wait to see a provider while experiencing symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, fever, and body aches. Currently, up to 80 percent of the illnesses treated by our Checkertail Medic providers require treatment with over-the-counter medications that many patients could initiate if they only had the resources to do so. The S.I.C.K. program is designed to educate and empower patients on the signs, symptoms, and treatment of common illnesses such as colds, constipation, rash, allergies, and joint pain. Patients who complete the S.I.C.K. orientation will be capable of initiating treatment for themselves and for family members with over-the-counter medications provided by the Tyndall Pharmacy without having to wait for an appointment. S.I.C.K. is based on information detailed in two books: Taking Care of Yourself and Taking Care of Your Child, which provide simple diagnosis and treatment algorithms for patients' use. Consider these books as technical orders to troubleshoot your human weapons system and maintain optimum health. Enrollment in the Tyndall Clinic S.I.C.K. program is accomplished by attending one 30-minute briefing during Tyndall Medical Right Start in-processing. For those who are already stationed at Tyndall, obtaining the benefits of the S.I.C.K. program requires attendance at one of the 30-minute weekly S.I.C.K. briefings held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Health and Wellness Center. Upon completion of the orientation, you will receive the Taking Care of Yourself books (one per family) as well as a S.I.C.K. program card which will allow you to obtain over-the-counter medications at our pharmacy. If you would like additional information about our S.I.C.K. program, please see the 325th MDG Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/325thMedicalGroup or contact our Health and Wellness Center at 283-3826.