97 MDG reorganizes structure, increases readiness

Photo By Staff Sgt. Breanna Klemm | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Manning, 97th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, salutes Col. Howard Givens, 97th Medical Group commander, after the re-designation of the squadron, August 29, 2019, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. The 97th Medical Operations Squadron was re-designated as the 97th OMRS with the Air Force-wide restructuring of medical care for the service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Breanna Klemm)  

UNITED STATES

08.29.2019

Story by Senior Airman Cody Dowell 

97th Air Mobility Wing

The 97th Medical Group reorganized two of its squadrons, the 97th Medical Operations Squadron (MDOS) and the 97th Medical Support Squadron (MDSS), on August 29, 2019. The group reorganization is part of an Air Force-wide effort directed by the Air Force Surgeon General.

The 97th MDOS has now become the 97th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (OMRS), while the 97th MDSS has been deactivated and the 97th Healthcare Operations Squadron (HCOS) was activated in its place.

These new changes are thanks to a pilot project at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, which showed dramatic readiness improvement with the new model. The group reorganization is an effort to meet Department of Defense policy to increase operational medical readiness and duty availability for active duty personnel while continuing to ensure the delivery of high quality healthcare.

Following the reorganization, active duty members will be enrolled by squadron to a Primary Care Manager (PCM). This will allow the medical technicians treating those active duty members to focus on the medical readiness needs of the fighting force, manage specialty care to facilitate a quicker return to work and full readiness status, and strengthen the connection with squadron leadership.

For some, it may mean that the sponsor and their dependents will no longer share the same PCM. For example, dependents will no longer be seen in the flight medicine clinic and will be re-enrolled to a PCM in the primary care clinic. The 97th MDG will continue to provide the same high-level of care with the same providers and staff, and no beneficiaries will be dis-enrolled during the transition.

The 97th MDG leadership would like to thank members for their patience during this transition. For any comments or concerns, please contact the 97th MDG’s Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator at 580-481-5567 or 580-481-5599. Any additional updates about the transition will be pushed out though all news avenues.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2019
• Date Posted: 09.24.2019 17:19
• Story ID: 343336
• Location: US