• Don’t fret the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)! It is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than five-years-old. However, it can sometimes occur in older children and adults. It is more common for people to get HFMD during summer and fall. Typical symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. There is no specific treatment. Fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important for people with HFMD to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Lower your risk of being infected. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, and help young children do the same. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and eating utensils with people who have HFMD. Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick. For more information please visit https://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandFootMouthDisease/
• Need to schedule a medical appointment? Call the Patient Appointing Service Line at (866) 460-5305. You can also utilize Tricare Online Patient Portal to conveniently schedule your own appointment 24/7. It can be found at www.TRICAREOnline.com. This portal allows you to make, change, and cancel military hospital or clinic primary care and select self-referral appointments. You can also view future and past appointments, set up text or email appointment reminders, and set up earlier appointment notifications.
• Help us serve you better! Weed Army Community Hospital is gathering information about patient experiences with making appointments at the hospital. The link below will guide the Fort Irwin Community to an anonymous survey designed to collect data about the ease of scheduling appointments. This data will help improve the customer appointment scheduling experience. The survey only takes about two minutes to complete and is open now until Oct. 13, 2019. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBSZJGD
• A note about WACH’s referral system. It is important that all referrals/authorizations be tracked through www.tricare-west.com, being the contractor will no longer mail authorizations. Check the website 3 business days after the referral was entered by the hospital provider. Please call and schedule your appointment with the outside provider indicated on the authorization. Typically referral/authorizations are valid for six months. Don’t forget the expiration dates! For any Active Referral/Authorization Issues or questions, call (844) 866-9378 or (760) 383-5483.
• MEDDAC Beneficiaries, please don’t forget that the hospital’s after-hours building access will be at the Emergency Room from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Please proceed to the Emergency Room entrance for care or any information during these hours.
