LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Retirees from the Joint Base Langley-Eustis community received medical care and information during the inaugural Retiree Health Fair March 30, 2012, at the USAF Hospital Langley Internal Medicine Clinic at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Retirees 62 and older previously enrolled in TRICARE were eligible to enroll in TRICARE PRIME, receive initial evaluations, medical information, and routine health care.
The Internal Medicine clinic led the event with assistance from 11 individual clinics, the Health and Wellness Center, and TRICARE. Doctors, physician assistants, medical technicians, and nurses volunteered at the fair.
With more than 150 visitors, the staff had plenty of opportunities to use their skills and expertise.
"What we hope to accomplish is to get people to come back to Langley for their medical needs," said Tech. Sgt. Courtney Leahy, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron Internal Medicine noncommissioned officer in charge. "The best part for me is seeing the patients come in and receive all this great information."
Lt. Col. Maria Melendez, 633rd MDOS Internal Medicine and specialty clinics flight commander, said she believes when patients return to Langley AFB for their medical needs, it benefits not only the patients, but the service members on staff. Airmen can perform their duties and stay proficient in their specialties while serving the retiree community.
"As we increase our currency platform with our specialty doctors and clinics and bringing our over 62 year old patients back will assist in keeping up our wartime skills," said Melendez. "As our members deploy, their skills will be current and ready for combat."
Patients with severe or multiple medical problems are encouraged to make an appointment with the Internal Medicine clinic. The clinic treats patients experiencing a variety of conditions, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, hematologic, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, neuromuscular, renal and rheumatologic diseases. For patients with medical conditions beyond internal medicine can be seen jointly with a sub-specialist.
"We value all of our patients and we are working hard to meet their needs and expectations," said Col. Jerry Wizda, 633rd MDOS commander.
To schedule an appointment with the Internal Medicine clinic, contact the Hampton Roads Appointment line at 1-866-645-4584, 757-225-7630 or DSN 575-7630.
Couldn't make it to the fair or in need of additional information? USAF Hospital Langley will host a Medical Group Health Fair for all TRICARE enrollees April 27 from 3 to 6 p.m., and April 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.