THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 3, 1995 TAG: 9511010139
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 15 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER C. O'DONNELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Military personnel and their dependents don't have to travel to Norfolk or Portsmouth any longer for medical care. Tricare, the military's managed care program, has opened a new branch in Chesapeake.
The new health facility provides acute health care and on-going chronic care coverage.
``We know we have a substantial military presence in Chesapeake. Our access to the interstate will make it easier for local patients who used to have to travel to the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth,'' said Susan Teeter, radiology supervisor.
Tricare in Chesapeake has laboratory and radiology departments for common procedures like mammography exams and routine diagnostic screening. The facility also has an on-site pharmacy and an adult care center for emergency situations.
``We're not an emergency facility, but we are prepared for anything that might occur,'' said Helen Casper, the facility's clinical coordinator.
Tricare is staffed with two doctors at all times, a family practitioner and a pediatrician, as well as three nurses, a laboratory technician, a radiology technician and a health benefits counselor to answer patient questions about benefits and specialist referrals.
Tricare is open to active duty military personnel and dependents as well as retired personnel. The facility is located at 1905 S. Military Highway in the Chesapeake Crossing shopping center. The hours are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Appointments can be made by calling 677-6000. by CNB