Action Line: One team, one fight?

  • Published
  • By Col John T. Quintas
  • 48th Fighter Wingg commander



COMPLAINT:

I would like some clarification on civilians' use of the RAFL medical facilities. This morning I was informed that until further notice "civilians" are considered space A in the Family Practice clinic, which means that we need to call back continually for an opening vs. making a scheduled appointment. Upon our arrival over a year ago, we were informed the dental clinic operates this way which is inconvenient too, but at least
we were informed.

As a mission-essential civilian, this doesn't sit well for my family or I.

This morning my wife called to get a prescription renewed and was told to continually call back for an appointment so the prescription can be filled.

This is certainly not fair practice when military dependents do not have to operate this way.

As civilians, we are already on "pay patient" status which means that we have to pay higher fees than we normally would pay in the states ; now, with the "space A" we have an additional nuisance. Also, as civilians, we are unable to get UK National Health Service numbers to utilize the British medical system. The NHS states that if we are eligible to use the base medical facilities in any capacity, we cannot be issued an NHS number. So, we get the short end of the stick anyway you look at it.

I came overseas to support the mission, but where is the "One Team One Fight" attitude?

RESPONSE:

Thank you for voicing your concern regarding your experience at the 48th Medical Group.

Our policy for seeing civilian patients has not changed. The governing guidance (provided below) for scheduling appointments dictates that civilians' access to care is on a space-available basis. Space available status means that we can schedule an appointment for patients in that category as long as there is no other beneficiary booked or in need of the appointment. The number of appointments we have available to our
beneficiaries may vary at times due to mission requirements, demand for appointments and provider availability. We make every effort to see our space-available patients however the circumstances mentioned may affect our ability to do so.

As a civilian employee you are required to have a British work visa. Your work visa allows you to register for NHS care giving you two resources for health care. You must register with the NHS before you are able to access care. We have attached an instructional document which explains how to register. (For document, click here)

Please know that quality care is one of our highest priorities. We appreciate your input and for helping improve patient safety and quality of care here at the 48th Medical Group. Every effort has been made to address
your concerns but if you have any additional questions please contact our patient advocate, SSgt Quinshayan Richardson at 226-8119.

Excerpt of AFI 41-115, Authorized Health Care and Health Care Benefits in the Military Health Services System (MHSS), explaining MTF appointing priorities:

1.4. Eligibility Priority and Limiting Services in the Direct Care System. MTFs provide care without regard to the sponsor's Service affiliation, rank or grade, according to 10 U.S.C. 55. By law, priority for care at the MTF is:

1.4.1. Active duty personnel (includes North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military personnel, Security Assistance and Training Program (SATP) personnel, and Reserve and Guard on active duty or inactive duty status)

1.4.2. Active duty family members enrolled in TRICARE Prime

1.4.3. Retirees, Survivors and their family members enrolled in TRICARE Prime

1.4.4. Active duty family members, retirees, their family members, surviving
 family members, and un-remarried former spouses of members who are enrolled
in the TRICARE Plus MTF program

1.4.5. Active duty family members not enrolled in Prime

1.4.6. Retirees, Survivors and their family members not enrolled in Prime

1.4.7. Civilian employees stationed overseas on official orders, traveling in temporary duty (TDY) status in the continental United States (CONUS), or covered under the Air Force Occupational Safety and Health (AFOSH) program. (For a detailed explanation of civilian family member entitlements, see AFH 41-114.)

1.4.8. Non-enrolled persons eligible for military health care will be seen at military hospitals and clinics on a space-available basis


Again, thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.


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