ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, January 1, 1996 TAG: 9601020096
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: HOLIDAY
DATELINE: NORFOLK
SOURCE: Associated Press
The military's experiment with managed health care is getting good reviews from service members.
``The clinic got us in there and taken care of right away,'' said Matthew Gowan, a Navy journalist, after taking his ill daughter to a Navy medical clinic. ``My daughter left feeling 110 percent better. Everything was just fast and easy.''
Instead of sending military dependents into the civilian world for their care, the new Tricare Prime system is designed to bring the family members back into the military health system, where costs are lower and can be contained.
Tricare Prime is set up like most HMOs. Patients are assigned a primary care physician at one of nine clinics in Southeast Virginia.
This physician is in charge of every aspect of the patient's health. If a specialist is needed, the patient is referred to a network of doctors for a cost of either $6 or $12, depending on pay grade.
Tricare Prime, started in Hampton Roads in December 1994, is the latest attempt by the military to come to terms with the rising costs of health care.
``It put an emphasis on preventative care and continuity of care with the same provider,'' said Air Force Lt. Col. Donald C. Edgell, operations officer. ``It was not so different from the country doctor, except now the country doctor is much more trained and qualified.''
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB