2nd Medical Group offers patient health programs

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's 2nd Medical Group offers two programs to improve quality care through teamwork and location.

The Behavioral Health Optimization Program and Chiropractic clinic at the 2nd MDG provide on-base solutions for patients. This helps specialists, patients and primary care managers work as a team for total patient health care.

"The services provided by BHOP and the behavioral health consultant are simply another part of a patient's overall health care," said Shannon Grantham, 2nd Medical Operation Squadron behavioral health consultant. "Patients are seen directly in the Family Health Clinic, and the BHC doesn't provide traditional psychotherapy. I provide brief, focused interventions or help with issues such as: anxiety, depression, anger problems, sleep problems, grief and stress management."

Mental health, skeletal health and pain management are also offered at the Family Health Clinic.

"We offer chiropractic care, along with pain management techniques, that help our Airmen get better faster," said Dr. Philip Hardinger, 2nd MDG specialty orthopedics and sports medicine. "From re-alignments, pain management and quality of life improvements, we provide many of the same services that you might find at a normal chiropractic clinic but at a closer location. This helps us communicate better with not just the patient but the PCM as well."

Time spent away from the mission can slow critical processes; local care takes the wait out of mission readiness.

"We are saving the patients time away from daily duties, which helps ensure the mission still gets done," said 2nd Lt. Christopher Robosky, 2nd MDG group practice manager. "Instead of losing one hour for an on-base appointment, a patient could lose three hours for care rendered downtown."

Both services offered are tools for 2nd MDG patient's overall health, but like any tool it is only good if it is used.

"We encourage patients to discuss these services with their PCM as potential options for improving daily life," said Robosky. "The BHOP does not require a PCM referral and patients can book an appointment by calling the appointment line and asking for a BHOP appointment specifically. But, Chiropractic services are based on referrals from the patients PCM."

For more information on the BHOP or Chiropractic services offered at the 2nd MDG Family Health Clinic, Airmen should contact their individual PCM.