Eielson AFB, AK

The 354th Medical Group, located in Bldg. 2630, is a primary-care comprehensive clinic providing outpatient-managed healthcare for all eligible beneficiaries living in the Eielson area. The medical clinic operates three primary care management teams staffed by board-certified family practice physicians, flight surgeons and physician assistants. Additional clinics include pediatrics, optometry, mental health, dental, immunizations, laboratory, radiology, physical therapy and pharmacy. The group’s Health and Wellness Center provides preventive health education and testing. Bassett Army Community Hospital, located 23 miles away on Fort Wainwright, is Eielson’s referral source for specialty and inpatient care. The TRICARE office arranges referral care with civilian offices in Fairbanks and Anchorage, as well as military medical care at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Travis AFB, Calif.; and Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, Wash. At the dental clinic, all active duty military members may receive the full spectrum of general dentistry care, including endodontics, oral surgery, periodontics and prosthetics. The dental staff provides educational services to base schools and assists other organizations with dental disease prevention programs.

EMERGENCY CARE
Although Eielson does not have an emergency room, 24-hour ambulance service is available for transport to Bassett Army Community Hospital, the nearest 24-hour urgent care center, or to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, the only local emergency room. In case of emergency, dial 911 from an on-base phone. Cellular phone users should dial (907) 377-2296 for on-base emergencies. Members with non-emergency conditions should call the clinic Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or the PCM on-call after-hours at (907) 377-2296 prior to seeking care at Basset Army Community Hospital or FMH. A health care professional will evaluate your condition and advise you of the appropriate medical care as indicated.

DENTAL CARE
For routine active-duty personnel appointments call (907) 377-1846. Dental sick call is available Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For after-hours dental emergencies call (907) 377-2296. Routine dental service is not available for family members or retirees at the Eielson clinic. However, there are civilian dentists in the local area who accept the TRICARE Dental Program. For information about TDP and the availability of civilian dental care call the TRICARE office at (907) 377-5155 ext. 383. To enroll, call (907) 377-2276. Applications are also available at www.ucci.com. Retirees can enroll in the Delta Select USA TRICARE Retiree Dental Program by calling 1-888-838-8737, or by surfing to www.ddpdelta.org.

APPOINTMENTS
Routine appointments are available by calling (907) 377-1847 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Same-day appointment requests are validated by a telephone consultation with a doctor, nurse or physician assistant. The 24-hour primary care manager phone number is (907) 377-2296. Please consult the Healthwise Handbook before calling for non-emergency medical problems. Information in the book may help the primary care manager determine the appropriate level of care each patient needs. The book also provides the patient with helpful hints on home care that may avoid an unnecessary trip to the clinic. Quarters are simply official recommendations by a medical provider to the supervisor/commander of a service member who is too ill to work. Supervisors and commanders determine or approve the time off.

PATIENT ADVOCACY
The 354th Medical Group strives to provide exceptional customer service and top quality medical care at all times. The Health Consumer’s Advisory Council meets quarterly to answer questions about clinic services, address customer concerns, and communicate changes in Air Force or clinic medical policy. To reach the council, call (907) 377-5155 ext. 298. The patient advocate located in the TRICARE office can help assist any Iceman Team members call (907) 377-5155 ext. 299. Patient questionnaires are reviewed monthly by the medical group executive leadership and used to tailor services to the needs of the customer. Comment cards are also available.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Mental health services, located in Bldg. 2630, include the life skills clinic, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program and Family Advocacy Program.

The mental health clinic provides services for all active duty members and other beneficiaries. Services include individual assessment and treatment for depression, anxiety, marital problems and substance abuse. Group treatment is also used to help skill building in such areas as stress and anger management. Call (907) 377-4041 for an appointment. The ADAPT program provides alcohol and drug abuse evaluation and treatment for military health care beneficiaries, as well as prevention education services and the base drug testing program. Call (907) 377-4042.

The family advocacy program promotes family health, welfare and morale. This is an Air Force program consisting of three components: exceptional family member program, family maltreatment, and family advocacy outreach. Family advocacy assesses suspected child and spouse maltreatment. Staff members conduct family assessments and provide treatment to base families. Call (907) 377-4041.

The Exceptional Family Member Program assists Air Force family members with exceptional medical or educational needs. Family members with physical, emotional or educational needs including individual education plans— are eligible. Support information and referral services are available through the family advocacy program. EFMP coordinates overseas medical and educational clearances with patient administration. Sponsors are required to initiate an EFMP file at the family advocacy office if special needs exist.