MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Moody medical officials are taking a new approach to conducting preventive health assessments here to enable Airmen to be medically prepared for future deployments.
Beginning this month, the base has implemented a new format for the required annual medical examinations. The new format incorporates the online Web Health Assessments in order to cut appointment times in half and assist doctors in providing more concentrated care.
"The Air Force wanted to implement web-based questionnaires to remove the necessity for a face-to-face appointment," said Master Sgt. Alesa Arnett, 23 rd Medical Operations Squadron Primary Care Team NCO-in-charge. "The less time members are spending on PHAs, the more time they are focused on their mission."
Initially, the medical officials wanted all Airmen to complete the web-based questionnaire and schedule a face-to-face appointment. While this process was thorough, they quickly learned there were not enough appointment times for all active duty members in need of PHAs.
To ensure Moody Airmen are ready to deploy when needed, Sergeant Arnett said the Medical Group will focus first on members who are on the "commanders' hot list," or "red zone". This list includes members who are at least six months overdue for their PHAs and are capable to deploy.
The Medical Group will notify "red-zone" Airmen with an e-mail containing a WHA form to fill out. Once the WHA is completed, the Airmen will receive a PHA appointment.
"Members who do not currently meet these requirements, do not need to worry about their PHAs, even if they are two or three months overdue," said Ted Williams, 23rd MDG preventive health assessment technician. "As this program progresses these requirements are subject to change."
Sergeant Arnett foresees the program focusing on "red-zone" members for two or three months and within six months, all Airmen should have their PHAs completed before they are overdue.
"The goal of the new format is to increase readiness," said Sergeant Arnett. "The new format ensures that Airmen are ready to deploy when tasked and should not worry about last-minute appointments."
The sergeant said staying up to date with PHAs will be beneficial to the Airmen's health now and later in life.
"Your medical record follows you where ever you go," she added. "Keeping it up to date now will prevent problems in the future. "
For more information on the PHA program, call 257-2893.