New medical messaging platform arrives at Goodfellow Published May 30, 2013 17th Medical Group GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Medical Group is proud to announce the arrival of MiCare June 3. MiCare is an online secure messaging platform allowing individuals to e-mail their provider team, schedule appointments, check the status of a referral, check lab results, request prescription refills and browse through educational materials; all at the click of a button. The clinic will maintain all traditional lines of communication, but MiCare offers some distinct advantages not offered before. For example, government privacy rules prohibit clinic staff from leaving detailed phone messages, often resulting in a game of phone tag that can last several days. Since MiCare offers a secure online transaction, clinic staff can leave all the information needed and it can be read at a convenient time. "Micare is the wave of the future and will make routine healthcare so much easier," said Col. Kelly Klein, 17th Medical Group Commander. "We are excited to be able to participate in this new program and have the opportunity to partner with our beneficiaries to improve our healthcare system." MiCare is not for urgent or emergency issues. The military treatment facility may take up to three business days to respond to MiCare requests, similar to how providers currently have three days to respond to telephone calls. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 and for treatment requiring medical care within 24 hours, dial the appointment line at 325-654-3149. Registration is face to face, to ensure the security of patient health information. To sign up, individuals need to go to the Medical Treatment Facility with a Defense Department identification card. Active duty members and spouses must register separately, but either can enroll their children. Any check-in counter at the clinic is able to start the registration process. Once registration is complete, the account must to be activated with log-in information sent to the individual's email account. For questions regarding MiCare and how it can improve interaction with medical group services, contact Capt. Xiao Ren at 325-654-3139 or ask someone who works in the clinic.
