WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The 509th Medical Group at Whiteman Air Force Base is partnering with area healthcare providers to bolster its pediatric care.
While many services will not change, some children may be referred to an off-base healthcare provider to ensure they are receiving necessary healthcare in the most efficient manner possible, said Col. Chrystal Henderson, commander of the 509th Medical Group at Whiteman AFB. Partners include Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg and Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia.
This partnership mitigates the impacts of the temporary healthcare provider shortage in the Whiteman pediatric clinic. The shortage is brief, taking effect June 25, 2018, and lasting for a maximum of 90 days. During this time, teaming up with off-base providers is the best solution for this temporary situation, Henderson said.
"We have long-standing, productive relationships with many healthcare providers in the region and have already informed them of our need for supplemental care," Henderson said. "Our civilian partners are equally committed to providing thoughtful care to Whiteman’s children and families."
Off-base referrals, on-base care
Whiteman’s TRICARE community partners are being called upon to assist with its mission of delivering healthcare for more than 2,000 pediatric patients, said Lt. Col. Ian Erskine, commander of the 509th Medical Support Squadron.
Children who need specialized care may continue to be seen on base. The Whiteman Medical Group has identified all Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) members, as well as special needs and complex pediatric patients and reassigned them to an on-base family medicine clinic physician for interim primary care management, Erskine said. Nursing staff will discuss each child’s specific situation with these physicians to make sure the patients’ transitions are smooth.
The Whiteman clinic will continue to schedule appointments and supervise the quality care of Whiteman families, Erskine said, adding that the on-base pharmacy and immunization clinic will continue to provide their services to pediatric patients.
Receiving care
All previously scheduled appointments at the Whiteman pediatric clinic will be honored. Clinic staff will contact patients directly should off-base care need to be coordinated.
Patients can choose their off-base TRICARE healthcare providers, and the on-base clinic will recommend a provider that is closest to patients’ residences from a list of pre-coordinated providers.
There is no additional cost for active duty dependents to see an off-base pediatric provider; dependents of retirees have a $20 copay per visit.
The 509th Medical Group will ensure all children receive necessary, quality care whether they see a provider on base or at one of our trusted partner clinics or hospitals, Erskine said.
Henderson added, "Our mission is to provide the best healthcare to all Whiteman personnel, including our very youngest patients. We are committed to caring for your children and making sure their needs are met – always."
The Whiteman pediatric clinic has limited services through Sept. 15, 2018, and is partnering with area healthcare providers to maintain its pediatric care.
•To schedule appointments, you may continue to call the Whiteman medical appointment line at 660-687-2188.
• For questions or concerns, you may contact the 509th Medical Group patient advocate, Master Sgt. Tanae Magwood at 660-687-6402.
• Additionally, the Medical Group hosts Coffee with the MDG Commander at 8:30 a.m. the first Monday of every month in the clinic’s pharmacy waiting area to address healthcare service-related questions and concerns. The sessions are also available on the Whiteman Medical Group’s Facebook page.