7th MDG provides over the counter meds, makes changes to referrals

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Quay Drawdy
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Medical Group has recently changed the way patients obtain over-the-counter medications and off-base referrals.

The Self Initiated Care Kit is a new program offered by the MDG that allows Airmen, their dependents and retirees already receiving pharmaceutical benefits under Tricare to access over-the-counter medication without requiring an appointment at the clinic.

"The SICK program doesn't require an appointment with a doctor to be made to get over-the-counter medications," said Capt. Daniel Strait, 7th Medical Support Squadron Pharmacy Flight commander. "We're expecting more appointment slots to be open for situations that are more inclusive for our doctors. This should really utilize everyone's time more efficiently, from patients to doctors."

To access the over-the-counter medication, individuals only need to fill out a form located in the pharmacy and choose the medication they need, Strait explained. The form can also be found on the Dyess webpage by clicking on the "Health Care Services" tab and following the link under "Appointments" or by following the link below:

http://www.dyess.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=22835

All of the available medications costs are covered by Tricare and will be provided as needed. Individuals are authorized three items per month. Three additional items are available per dependent per month, as well.

"It's important to note that any medication labeled as 'over-the-counter' will not cause you to fail a urinalysis if the dosage instructions are followed," Strait said. "Be cautious when taking herbal remedies, however, as it's nearly impossible to tell which ones contain chemicals that could cause a failure."

"We've also made a few changes to the way off-duty medical referrals work," said 1st Lt. Thomas Renfrow, 7th MDSS Tricare Operations and Patient Administration Flight Commander. "Patients needing after-hour care can call the nurse advice line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273). There, an on-call nurse will evaluate symptoms and refer you to urgent care, suggest home-treatment options or recommend an appointment be made with the clinic. If it is determined an off-base referral is needed, the nurse will provide an authorization code, known as the Encounter Number, to be given to the urgent care provider."

"If you are in situation that jeopardizes your life, limb or eyesight, it is not necessary to call the on-call nurse," Renfrow said. "For these types of emergencies, it is best to go straight to the nearest hospital with an emergency room for treatment."

All beneficiaries of Tricare will be expected to contact the on-call nurse for non-emergency after-duty medical needs; however, during the duty-day, Tricare recipients stationed at Dyess are to call the trusted care line at (325) 696-4677 to schedule appointments. If care is needed while traveling, beneficiaries are to call Humana at 1-800-444-5445.