436th Medical Group prepares for inspection Published July 28, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Melissa Phillips 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The 436th Medical Group is busy preparing for two simultaneous inspections. The Health Service Inspection and Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care are scheduled Aug. 2 - 4. Although both inspections test compliance and how well the Medical Group provides health care, the inspections are administered by two separate auditing agencies. The HSI is headed by the Air Force Inspection Agency and the AAAHC will be administered by an external agency who accredit civilian hospitals as well. "The end result from both inspections is to ensure we are providing our customers health care in a safe manner," said Lt. Col. Kathleen Samuel, 436th MDG patient advocate and inspection team chief. "If we are not meeting minimum standards, the medical treatment facility (the Dover clinic) will be given an opportunity to improve and a time period to achieve standards," she said. One medical Airman views the inspection, albeit time-consuming and stressful, as a challenge. "I kind of like inspections," said Senior Airman Emanuel Rodrigues, 436th Medical Support Squadron biomedical equipment journeyman. "(Preparing for the inspection) helps us identify things, like calibration stickers, that might have missed getting signed off. "Inspections provide a check and balance to the system," said Airman Rodrigues. The 436th MDG is busy throughout the year running the self-inspection program. "A tremendous amount of preparation goes into preparing for the inspection," said Colonel Samuel. "(We) continue to look for areas to improve and do things better for our internal and external customers." The inspection comes shortly after the 436th MDG implemented a DoD electronic medical record system program called Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application in early July. The new system, which is designed to replace current paper-based records into a permanent, computer-based patient record available throughout the DoD military health system, requires intensive training. Clinic officials warn patients that they may encounter longer appointment lengths and delays at the clinic as medical providers adjust to the system and receive training. As a result, the volume of telephone consultations has increased, and face-to-face patient consultations has decreased. Generally, nurses will call patients back within eight hours. However, during this transitional period, it may take up to 72 hours before a patient receives a call back. "Along with the inspection and transitioning to the electronic medical record, we are also experiencing summer (permanent change of station) turnover in the clinic," said Colonel Samuel. "Regardless, we are still concerned about our patients' care during this time. We ask them to be patient with us now more than ever." If a condition needs immediate attention, members should go to Kent General Hospital emergency room.