USAHC-SB's Acute Care Clinic increases providers, aims to reduce wait times

By Dr. David Floyd, U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks Acute Care ClinicOctober 31, 2012

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks' Acute Care Clinic will shift its hours of operation to 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. starting Nov. 4.

This slight shift in hours is part of a new staffing model that will increase the number of providers available to serve beneficiaries, and will significantly decrease the wait time.

"By bringing these additional resources to bear, we believe that we can assist the patients in taking control of their health, rather than just responding to illness or injury," explained Col. Mary Krueger, commander, USAHC-SB. "These professionals can provide proactive, preventative interventions to help the patient maintain the highest state of health.

"This model is in sync with the surgeon general's focus on nutrition, activity, and sleep as fundamental principles to address as we move from a health care system to a system of health," Krueger added.

The clinic provides care to active duty and retired military personnel, their family members, and other Department of Defense and Tricare beneficiaries.

The ACC offers beneficiaries living at Schofield Barracks a walk-in clinic for same day treatment of eligible patients with acute illnesses and injuries. The ACC, which is not an emergency room, provides care for a variety of acute conditions from sprains and fractures to lacerations, asthma attacks and burns.

"The providers in the Acute Care Clinic bring a diverse background of clinical experiences that combine to form a great team that delivers exceptional urgent care to our Soldiers and their family members," said Col. Jennifer Walker, deputy commander for clinical services, USAHC-SB. "They are different from the primary care providers in our Troop Medical, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics clinics, in that they don't focus on prevention and wellness as much as those acute injuries and illnesses that come up unexpectedly."

If an injury or illness is not considered urgent or acute, it is strongly encouraged that patients see their own primary care manager to ensure continuity at Schofield's Family Practice, Pediatric and Troop Medical clinics, which often have available same-day appointments for its assigned patients.

The ACC will ensure that every patient receives the right level of care and is available for urgent needs.

For severe injuries or potentially life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, possible stroke, heat injury, poisoning, or loss of consciousness, patients are advised to call 911 or go directly to the nearest ER.

The Acute Care Clinic is located in Building 684 on the first floor of USAHC-SB. Access is via the ACC front door facing the entry driveway from Waianae Avenue.

(Editor's Note: Dr. David Floyd is the chief of the Acute Care Clinic, U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks.)

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