Altus Air Force Base News

 

Medical Group expands services

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monique Randolph
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE --  With the addition of a new member to the 97th Medical Group staff, the base medical clinic is once again able to provide women's health care for military members and other beneficiaries. 

Gina Atkinson, a board certified family nurse practitioner, arrived at Altus Air Force Base in June. As a family nurse practitioner, Ms. Atkinson is able to assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for patients from "the womb to the tomb," she said. 

She recieved her masters degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1996, and for more than 10 years, she has provided medical care as a family nurse practitioner in both the civilian and military communities. 

"We want to serve the military community in a better way, and provide better access to services in women's health," Ms. Atkinson said.
Prior to her arrival, all women's health issues were referred to off-base medical facilities. 

"We're reclaiming the women's health aspect," said Capt. Tommy Eppinette, the Clinical Operations Flight commander. "Before, we were sending people downtown, and there are only three [physicians] downtown who handle all the obstetrics and gynecology care for the entire area. We would like to bring [gynecology] services back to the base. This is alot more cost efficient for the Air Force and convenient for the member." 

Ms. Atkinson can perform annual exams, pelvic exams, pap smears, checks for sexually transmitted diseases and address any other women's health concerns. She can also administer and prescribe contraception. 

Obstetrics and abnormal pap smears will still be referred off base because the clinic is not equipped to provide care for those patients, Ms. Atkinson said. However, following the 6-week postpartum visit, obstetrics patients can return to the base medical clinic for care. 

While her primary focus is women's health, Ms. Atkinson can also see patients with acute, episodic and chronic illnesses, as well as provide preventive care and routine physicals. She is licensed to provide care for anyone from children to adults. 

"I can see patients for any issues that would be seen in the primary care clinic; anything from back pain to hypertension or diabetes," Ms. Atkinson said.
The clinic also has time slots set aside for same-day appointments, Ms. Atkinson added. 

"During cold and flu season, we would actually run out of appointments and have to [take people on a walk-in basis]," said Captain Eppinette. "Ms. Atkinson is able to act as a stop-gap to alleviate those scheduling issues. She also provides cross-coverage when one of the regular physicians is on leave or [temporary duty]. Before, we would go down to just one provider and try to fill in with [physicians from other clinics]. But now that she's here, she's able to step into those roles and continue to see those patients to prevent any delays in care." 

"We're trying to get the word out that's she's here, she's a very experienced practitioner, and her clinical skills are excellent," said the Captain. "We're trying to bring back women's health care, and encourage as much of the female population as we can to come and see her. If we're not able to get enough business for her, we're going to lose these services. We're very happy to have her here, and we'd like to keep her."