JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
COVID-19 pandemic safeguards are well established on base to enable Airmen to seek necessary healthcare, according to Col. Andrew Purath, Joint Base Andrews and 11th Wing commander.
“I would encourage everybody normally seen at Malcolm Grow [Medical Clinics and Surgery Center], to call the appointment line and get on the schedule,” said Purath during the Front Porch Live Facebook broadcast at JBA, May 19, 2020.
He expressed concern about parents delaying both their infants’ wellness visits and immunizations, and their own routine healthcare visits.
“They’re putting off things they need to be seen for because they’re concerned about coming out,” said Purath. “Col. [Vito] Smyth [11th Medical Group commander] is worried that folks aren’t getting the care they need. They’re trying to tackle a lot through tele[health] so you might not even have to come in.”
All patients may utilize the Military Health System’s Secure Messaging tool to virtually communicate with health care providers.
The messaging platform, owned by the Air Force Medical Service, allows patients to communicate directly with primary care teams safely and securely.
With Secure Messaging, patients can ask question and receive non-emergency health care advice, request appointments and referrals, renew prescriptions and request copies of lab and test results. The platform is accessible through any device or web browser.
Secure Messaging is available for all MHS patients who receive care at a military hospital or clinic, including dependents and retirees.
Patients can register for a Secure Messaging account at app.tolsecuremessaging.com.
Once registered, personnel should select Air Force Medicine – Andrews and their respective primary care manager to be verified.