Cannon clinic to test extended hours

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — In order to better accommodate Air Commandos and their families at Cannon Air Force Base the 27th Special Operations Medical Group, is testing the demand to extend clinic hours.

U.S. Air Force graphic: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

In order to better accommodate Air Commandos at Cannon Air Force Base the 27th Special Operations Medical Group has announced plans to test evening medical services to Tricare Prime beneficiaries in the coming months. Designated weekday's will be selected to operate until 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a designated Saturday once a month respectively, to all empanelled Tricare Prime beneficiaries.

Designated weekday's will be selected to operate until 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a designated Saturday once a month respectively, to all empanelled Tricare Prime beneficiaries.

Information regarding extended duty hours at the Cannon Clinic will be released seven days prior to the extended hours. Patients may then call the appointment line at 575-784-2778 or visit TriCare On-line to make their appointments.

"This program is beneficial because it allows us maximize our opportunity to 'see today's patient, today' by their primary care manager," said Lt. Col. Jacqueline McAuley, 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron medical services flight commander. "We hosted our first extended hour's clinic on Nov. 13. All family health appointments were booked and no-shows were minimal. As long as the additional appointments are utilized, we will continue to provide this service. It is our goal to provide our patients the best care possible."

The services available encompass every medical specialty of the clinic based on current policies. Walk-in services include: audiograms, deployment health assessments, gas mask fit tests and immunizations.

"Every member of the clinic is charged to continuously improve our processes and look for opportunities to enhance our services," said Col. Jeff Gillen, 27 Special Operations Medical Group commander. "The extended hours and Saturday clinic are one just example of our efforts. As we document the demand in all clinics and medical services, I anticipate cancellations, no shows and requests for urgent care appointments downtown to decline."

Information regarding this extended hours trial at the Cannon Clinic will be released seven days prior to the extended hours via email to the active duty members and posted to the wing's and medical group's Facebook pages.

Gillen added that constructive feedback from patients is welcome as the initiative is tested.