Medical Group alters appointment process during COVID-19 Published April 27, 2020 82nd Medical Group SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – The 82nd Medical Group here has instituted a virtual appointment process to continue providing high-quality care for Sheppard AFB beneficiaries. All patients wanting an appointment are either screened by the appointment line, 940-676-CARE (2273) or respective clinic nurse or technician. During screening, they are asked COVID-19-related questions regarding fever, travel and coughing. If a “yes” answer is given, a telephone conference is placed and they are triaged further with clinical guidance. Patients who pass the screening are given the option of a telephone conferences with the nurse or virtual appointments with the provider. During the virtual appointments, the nurse or provider triages the patient’s needs and, if deemed clinically necessary, they book an in-person appointment. Patients who are safely deemed non-urgent are asked if they want to postpone their appointments until a later date. Those who are adamant about being seen are then put through the screening protocols and given an appointment. Appointment agents have been advised that they should not deny patient care or access for any reason. They should merely ask the patient if they want to defer care and if they want to be seen, a clinical staff member should make the ultimate determination. Here are other appointment options: Secure message to their Patient Centered Medical Home Team Telephone conference with a nurse in their clinic via Appointment Line Nurse Advise Line 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273) refers to urgent care center, emergency department or military treatment facility or books virtual appointment with provider Virtual appointment with their provider via TRICARE Online or Appointment Line Clinic walk-in or booked routine care appointments with provider, if deemed necessary If the 82nd MDG has not met your needs, we encourage you to contact our patient advocate at 940-235-9700.