AFSO 21 - Medical Group on the “Right Start” Published Dec. 5, 2006 By 1st Lt. Rose Richeson 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The 39th Medical Group is helping Incirlik lead the way in Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century by leaning the medical Right Start procedures. Normally what took Incirlik newcomers two days to accomplish is now being done in just a fourth of that time. It is no longer necessary for members to schedule appointments for their Preventive Health Assessment, gas mask fit test or immunizations. Since the implementation of the new process here, Aug. 16, the PHA rate of completion went from 90 to 97 percent. Whatever is needed to complete in-processing is identified during Medical Right Start and provided the same day. "The briefings are structured to include all pertinent information that a new arriving family will need," said Maj. Carol Shaffer, 39th MDG health care integrator. "Our objective is to gather a baseline medical history on everyone so medical needs can be identified immediately." A briefing that used to take a minimum of four and a half hours was trimmed down to 30 minutes by eliminating information that could be obtained other ways. Hand outs, flyers and a medical group information packet with useful numbers replaced hours of Powerpoint slides. The leaned briefing focuses on time and culturally-sensitive information such as food and water consumption and Incirlik's elective surgery policy. Major Shaffer believes the biggest bonus is for the family member. The briefings are tailored for Air Force families as well and the medical group highly encourages members to bring their spouse with them for in-processing. "We like to meet spouses face-to-face and provide a health risk assessment," said Major Shaffer. "This way we find out about health needs now instead of a few months down the road when they are in a crisis." Families that attend with children will have their records screened by immunizations and may be asked to set up an alternate time to come in. "Families seem very appreciative to know we are concerned about their limited time too," said Major Shaffer. Another benefit of the shortened briefing is the attention to Tricare online. The medical group will help members register in order to book appointments on the Web. In the last 30 days, Tricare online registrants here have increased from eight to 17 percent. Newcomers are noticing the changes and benefits of the new Medical Right Start briefing and appreciate having a one-stop-shop for all preventive health needs. "Right Start went pretty well for me and my family," said Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Borbon, 39th Communication Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of computer safety. "I attended the November brief and especially liked that everything was taken care of at once. It was helpful that newcomers did not have to schedule PHAs and other medical appointments at a later time."