Healthcare providers strengthen lines of communication

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rhett Isbell
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Healthcare providers from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., networked with their off-base counterparts Apr. 19, 2018, to share processes and best practices.

The multitude of healthcare providers worked towards forming a robust communication network in an informal setting at Hangar 1080.

“The purpose is for the providers here to meet the providers from off base and open up lines of communication,” said Lt. Col. Nathaniel Decker, 19th Medical Support Squadron commander. “We have limited capabilities in our clinics so we send patients off base to get the care they need from our partners and face-to-face meetings make those communication lines stronger.”

Members in charge of organizing the event saw an increase from a little over 70 attendees last year to 101 attendees this year. One of the goals of the event was for healthcare providers to talk to other members in their field and discuss different healthcare techniques and collaborate on how to more effectively process referrals.  

“Each clinic has a different process for how they route referrals and we compare that to how we process referrals,” said Regena Handley, 19th MDSS contract liaison officer. “We work to ensure that everyone is on the same page with how we process referrals. Also, we share information and ideas and crosstalk about the specialties that they’re providing the services.”

Working towards improving their different practices and processes helps Team Little Rock members and their families receive better care and stay mission-ready.

“We’re very thankful to the off-base providers for choosing to be a part of the TRICARE network and for coming out to get to know our providers and staff,” Decker said. “Our primary goal is making sure our patients have the best healthcare we can provide them.”