Improving continuity of care priority for 325th MDG Published Aug. 5, 2011 By Col. Paul Skala dfoiashgois TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Medical Group is blessed with the best patient population in the Air Force and nothing validates this fact more than the patience you have displayed as we continue to deploy our staff while simultaneously coping with staffing shortfalls in Family Practice and Flight Medicine. Although our manpower has been reduced, your Tyndall Clinic staff has been working overtime to ensure you receive the care you need when you need it. Because our primary mission is to take care of our active duty Airmen, we will continue to give them priority access to care. We understand the inconvenience resulting from not consistently being seen by your assigned Tyndall provider as we have increasingly utilized the downtown TRICARE network partners to help ensure you receive timely care. To ensure we maximize availability of appointments at Tyndall, we will continue to educate and encourage patients to use home health care solutions for flu and common cold symptoms. One innovative solution our staff recently developed improves continuity of care for patients referred to downtown TRICARE network providers. Each referral to downtown providers now includes an additional authorization for follow-up with the same provider. Our downtown providers care about your health and appreciate the ability to see you again to ensure you return to good health. This solution has received very positive feedback from patients and staff alike. Another initiative to improve access and healthcare delivery is the Air Force Surgeon General's Patient Centered Medical Home. One of the benefits of PCMH is the implementation of two-person medical provider teams, which will improve patient continuity of care with their assigned provider team. PCMH will be implemented at Tyndall this November and we will describe additional benefits in future articles. Our current staffing shortfalls have been identified to higher headquarters and they are in the process of providing additional resources. Although it will take several months to close the gap, please understand that our staff remains committed to taking "best care" of you and your family. The 325th MDG would like to thank you again for your continued patience and support.