FORT STEWART, Ga. - Family Members and retirees have an additional option for urgent care in neighboring Hinesville. South Georgia Immediate Care center opened its doors Nov. 15 to care for Tricare beneficiaries who utilize Winn Army Community Hospital.
"With the amount of Soldiers and Family Members in the area, it can be hard at times to get a same-day appointment at Winn Army Community Hospital," explained office manager Michael Bailey. "We are here to 'fill in the gap,' our service helps to avoid a really long wait in the emergency room."
Urgent care is anything that does not need to be seen in the emergency room and cannot wait until you visit your primary care physician according to Bailey.
Beneficiaries must provide proof of insurance before care is rendered and Tricare Prime patients are assessed a $12.00 co-payment before treatment is given. Active-duty Soldiers are not eligible to receive treatment at the facility.
Prior authorization from the patient's primary care physician is required for treatment during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Care rendered after 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, weekends and holidays do not require prior authorization; however patients must get a retroactive authorization to avoid out of pocket expenses.
Patients as young as nine months old can receive care ranging from minor surgery, flu shots to school and sports physicals.
The new center is operational with state of the art equipment and a customer focused staff Bailey added.
"We are here to provide the best service you will get for the area," Bailey shared. "You can expect to receive the same care as you would at any other facility in the area."
While no formal partnership exists between South Georgia Immediate Care Center and Winn Army Community Hospital, Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Kevin Milton and Winn ACH hospital commander Col. Ronald Place are supportive of the facility in our area, according to Bailey.
"The word is getting out through Winn [ACH] that we are here…we get really good support from them and Tricare," Bailey said.
More than 500 patients have been seen at the center since opening and Marne community members are welcome to utilize the facility located minutes outside gate two.
"I've promised everyone that visits 'this will be the best experience you will have' at any medical facility," Bailey said. "Customers and patients are number one at our facility."
South Georgia Immediate Care center has three other locations in Savannah, Garden City and Statesboro that currently provide urgent care to Tricare Family Members and retirees.
The center is open Monday -- Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon until 5 p.m.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 912-332-7262.
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