Lyster Army Health Clinic opens new COVID Clinic

By Janice Erdlitz, Lyster Public Affairs OfficerSeptember 15, 2020

LAHC COVID Clinic
Lyster Army Health Clinic opened a specialized respiratory clinic to care for patients in response to COVID-19. Mandy Kelley, NP-C, discussed patient care with Captain Sunyoung Kim, MD in the new COVID Clinic. (Photo Credit: Janice Erdlitz) VIEW ORIGINAL

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lyster Army Health Clinic has opened a specialized respiratory clinic to care for patients.

The new COVID Clinic located inside Lyster is isolated to avoid spreading the disease. A separate entrance ensures that patients remain distant from non-COVID-19 patients. The clinic is not a walk-in clinic and requires an appointment to be seen.

“The respiratory clinic was created to provide high-quality care for patients with upper respiratory symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19, influenza, or other upper respiratory infections while preventing exposure to our other patients.” explained, Lieutenant Colonel Kimberly Lochner, Deputy Commander for Clinical Services.

Lyster is taking every precaution to safeguard the health and welfare of staff and beneficiaries. The new COVID Clinic is just one additional avenue to meet the needs of the community.

Dr. Lochner continued to explain the process of how the clinic will operate and what to expect. “Patients will be checked in by phone and wait in their vehicle until ready to be seen to decrease exposure to other patients with similar symptoms. They should not go to the clinic front entrance, but the respiratory clinic side entrance. All appointments will be face to face with an evaluation of their acute symptoms. Testing will be performed within the clinic as indicated and they will receive any medications prescribed within the clinic.”

Patients should not bring children or other family members to their appointment unless they need assistance. Children under 14 require one parent or guardian to accompany them to the appointment. Those who are elderly or need assistance communicating or ambulating should notify the team prior to arrival.

People who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should call the Lyster appointment line to schedule an appointment, 1-800-261-7193, or visit the Nurse Advice Line. The MHS Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 by phone, web chat, and video chat. Visit MHSNurseAdviceLine.com for web chat and video chat, or dial 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.