Family Health clinic ups available appointments Published Oct. 15, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- In order to better serve the Barksdale community, the Family Health and Pediatric clinics have expanded the number of daily available appointments for their patients. Health care providers at the Family Health clinic will be able to see a patient every 15 minutes, moving from 900 appointments weekly to 1000. "We can give patients better care by giving them more options to be seen here instead of off-base," said Maj. Paul Simpson, Family Health clinic flight commander. "Our goal is to see as many patients as we can in our clinic instead of sending them to an urgent care, while still providing the best health care possible." As appointment slots are increased, active-duty Airmen are given priority, but slots remaining open will be available for dependents. "We've also built into the schedule more active-duty appointments," Simpson said. "If active-duty appointments aren't fully booked, we can book someone else. We do our best to fill every appointment." In addition to giving Airmen more chances to get health care provided by the 2nd Medical Group, Airmen will be able to see the same health care provider they visited before. "If you see the same provider, they can get to know you and will be able to determine the best course of action for your particular case," Simpson said. While continuity of care is important, Airmen who go off-base for health care will still have to follow military protocol. "For active-duty to go off-base for care, they still have to have a follow-up appointment here," said Tech. Sgt. Celia Lewis, 2nd Medical Group family health flight chief. Active-duty Airmen who call between 7 and 7:30 a.m. will receive appointment priority and the Family Health clinic will continue to keep Airmen fighting fit and close to the mission. For more information, contact the family health clinic at 456-6555.