ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
For Active Duty and select reserve military members, Preventative Health Assessments, are like taxes-it's something that has to get done every year. With deadlines and commitments, everyday duties and tasks, and deployments, some military members overlook the importance of making their PHA appointment. However, in doing so, Airmen must realize how missed appointments and overdue PHAs affect each unit's mission readiness.
The overall assessment is based on a questionnaire and interview, medical record review, the presence of duty limiting conditions or the inability to perform fitness testing and lab tests, when necessary. PHAs are required every twelve months and/or prior to deployment, if the PHA expires during that time.
"As with most medical appointments, PHA appointments are at a scarcity. When someone is scheduled and they don't show up, that takes away someone else's ability to get their PHA taken care of," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Wilbur Peralta, 79th Medical Operations Squadron Operational Medicine Clinic medical director. "When they miss the appointment, we have to try and work them into an already tight schedule."
"Another interesting aspect that is not always considered in the military is that the equivalent appointment in the civilian sector would cost an estimated $150, and you would still be charged for a missed appointment," said Colonel Peralta.
"A current PHA is required for deployment, as part of the individual's medical readiness," said Colonel Peralta. PHA appointments for Active Duty members are made through their UDM/UHM.
As mandatory military appointments, Colonel Peralta said, "Overdue PHAs affect each unit's readiness. No-shows will be reported to each squadron commander, First Sergeant, and the unit deployment manager."
Military members can get their PHA at the military treatment facility which they are assigned to for primary care.
"A PHA here is accomplished at the Operational Medicine Clinic for Air Force members enrolled to the 79th Medical Group," said Colonel Peralta. "Members on flying status must obtain a PHA at the flight medicine clinic to which they are assigned. For reservists, including Individual Mobility Augmentees, the supporting MTF for their assigned unit is responsible for completing the PHA."
"The Air Force is transitioning to a web-based PHA system in which the member fills out the health assessment questionnaire online from any computer-with the exception of PSP or PRP individuals," said Colonel Peralta "This does not replace the PHA appointment. Members will still be required to come in to complete their appointment."
"The web assessment gives members an opportunity to fill out a comprehensive standardized health assessment at their leisure and gives the MTF a preliminary idea of any tests, referrals or medical conditions that will need attention prior to the actual PHA appointment," said Colonel Peralta. "At Andrews, we have implemented the web-based PHA in pilot form for certain units and will eventually implement the process for the entire base."
For more information, contact the Operational Medicine Clinic at 240-857-6073.