Medical group ends sick call Published May 3, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The days of going to the clinic to be seen during sick call are gone. Anyone not feeling well will now need to call and receive an appointment with a member of their healthcare team. This change was driven by the Family Health Initiative, which moves the focus of medical care to a patient-centered model. This model allows teams of caregivers to care for a pool of patients, which increases the efficiency of the family health clinic as a whole. Under the program, patients are treated by a team consisting of a doctor, physician assistant or family nurse practitioner, a nurse and medical technicians. "We're going to provide the same care we always do, only better," said Maj. Charles Flowe, 436th Medical Group Family Health Clinic flight commander. "In fact, we haven't had afternoon sick call for some time. This new model will enhance our services and increase continuity of care." Under the new program, active-duty members will need to call the appointment line at (302)-730-4633 between 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. to make an appointment. During these hours active-duty members will have priority for appointments. "Patients will be able to see the same provider, or the other provider on their team," said Major Flowe. "This helps ensure better continuity of care. With the sick-call program, patients did not always see their primary-care provider and often felt they had to explain the problem repeatedly." Patients should notice an increase in continuity in their care, said Tech. Sgt. John Carlton III, 436 MDG Ambulance Response Team noncommissioned officer in charge. The medical group is always prepared to take care of its patients, he said. "Patients will see an increase in quality of care," said Sergeant Carlton. "This model allows the team to collaborate more effectively, which will lead to a better experience for all."