Westover Medical Home staff eager to see more patients

By Lori Newman, Brooke Army Medical Center Public AffairsSeptember 3, 2015

Westover Medical Home staff eager to see patients
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Westover Medical Home staff eager to see patients
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO -- The new Westover Medical Home located off Highway 151 and Westover Hills Boulevard opened Aug. 10 and the staff is ready and eager to see more eligible TRICARE beneficiaries.

Community-based medical homes utilize a team approach to health care with licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians working together to take care of patients.

"Customer service is our number one priority here and the staff was hand selected with that in mind. They really are the best of the best," said Dr. Darii A. Lane, chief of the Westover Medical Home. "They are enthusiastic and motivated and bring a vast diversity of medical and life experiences. I feel honored to work with this team."

The medical home model facilitates a successful "system for health" partnership between patients and their dedicated medical team, led by their primary care manager to meet preventive, routine and urgent medical needs.

"We want to create a family atmosphere in the clinic. Our goal is to make all of our patients feel at home. We treat them as friends and as family, not just a number," Lane said.

"The location and the services that we offer here are very comprehensive. We have a nice mix of providers and nursing staff who have varied experience," said Kathryn Joyce, a nurse practitioner for more than 15 years, who has worked in both a civilian and military medical environment.

Irene Fuentez said she was very excited when she found out about the new clinic opening because it's less than a mile from her home.

"As soon as I heard that Westover was opening I called in and transferred my whole family over here," Fuentez said. "My husband just recently retired [after 30 years in the military] and this is very convenient to where we live. The clinic is beautiful and people are friendly."

Fuentez said she has always been very happy with the care she has received from the military healthcare system.

Westover is located on the Northwest side of San Antonio, a side of town that has been experiencing a steady increase in population over the past several years.

"Our intent is always to provide the best access to military medicine for our beneficiaries," said Anthony O'Bryant, clinic administrator. "We want to bring the military medical experience closer to their home."

Sally and Kirt Ricks also visited the new medical home for the first time.

"This is our first visit today and we are really glad to be back in the military family," Sally Ricks said. "Dr. [Philippa] Augustin listened, explained things and took her time. I'm very satisfied with the care I received today."

Kirt Ricks agreed, "[Dr. Augustin] spent more time with me to explain what was going on with my [health] than I have ever had any doctor do. I'm much more informed about my [health] after one visit here than I have been with several other doctors," he said.

Augustin has spent the majority of her career working within the military healthcare system.

"I enjoy working in the military system because it's the most comprehensive medical coverage anyone can have. Because it's all on the same electronic medical record it's easy for people to get good continuity of care," Augustin said.

Westover Medical Home also offers Behavioral Health services, on-site laboratory capabilities and a pharmacy. The clinic will also offer a drive-thru pharmacy window and extended evening hours.

"Having behavioral health at this clinic allows easier access to care for our patients; it also allows us to take a more preventative role for our patients' mental health care," said Dr. Vicky Hsiao, clinical psychologist.

"I know all of us are excited to enroll as many patients with as many backgrounds as we can," Augustin said. "All of us here are family medicine providers which means we take care of anyone from infancy to the geriatric population."

TRICARE beneficiaries who would like to enroll or move to the new Westover location can visit https://www.humanamilitary.com/ or call 1-800-444-5445. For beneficiaries age 65 or older, call 210-808-2721 for more information.

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