AF Medical Service implements safe, secure messaging system Published Jan. 30, 2014 By Staff Reports ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Secure communication between physicians and patients is critical for quality service, and MiCare provides this secure and private, anywhere, anytime convenience for Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, personnel and families. MiCare is a secure, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant, web-based communication system between patients and their primary care team at the clinic. This service has been put in place to streamline appointments, as some situations such as medication refills don't necessitate an appointment. Patients' questions or concerns will go straight to the primary care manager team and then be forwarded to an individual who can directly handle any issues. "While it won't eliminate needing to see your provider completely, it should certainly allow for a more efficient means to address many common patient concerns that don't require an appointment, ultimately making it beneficial for all parties involved," said Capt. James Rafiner, 48th Medical Group physician assistant. MiCare is also a more efficient way to address referral issues and allows care providers to securely message patients educational handout material. Patients now have the ability to request and receive lab and radiology results directly to their account. Automated messages can be used to set up reminder messages for flu shots, school physicals, preventive health assessments, and upcoming military treatment facility closures. RAF Lakenheath personnel and families registering for MiCare, can do so at the base hospital.