FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Lyster Army Health Clinic beneficiaries requiring urgent care may find themselves being referred to off-post health care facilities.
Lyster staff coordinates with six local urgent care centers - located in Enterprise, Dothan, Daleville and Ozark - to treat those with conditions "that are considered non-emergent, but require being seen within 24 hours," said Martha Frausto, LAHC public affairs officer.
When patients call the Lyster appointment line at 255-7000 requesting acute appointments, staff now provides them with the closest facility's name, address, phone number and directions, said Carla Graham, patient appointment services supervisor. Facility information is also available at <a href="http://www.rucker.amedd.army.mil/information/urgentcare.html" target="_blank">www.rucker.amedd.army.mil/information/urgentcare.html</a>.
Some of the off-post facilities are walk-in clinics, but Frausto advised patients to call ahead and schedule appointments anyway, to reduce wait times and stress.
During the summer, Lyster experiences higher-than-usual staff turnover rates, resulting in this new referral practice, said Capt. Jenny Hayes, incoming Managed Care Division chief.
This system continues as necessary, said Graham.
"It's the right thing to do to help our patients receive medical care in a timely manner," Frausto said.
With the upcoming fall influenza season and allergies, usually resulting in an influx of requested appointments, staff expects this service to continue to benefit the Lyster community indefinitely, she said.
Non-urgent patients wishing to be seen by their primary care manager's team can still schedule appointments at Lyster by calling the appointment line or visiting <a href="http://www.tricareonline.com" target="_blank">www.tricareonline.com</a>, Frausto said.
For more information, call 255-7229 or 255-7337.
Social Sharing