HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Caregivers from the 66th Medical Squadron are seeking to improve the overall health of the community by encouraging proactive and preventative care treatments.
Maj. Sam Chhoeun, the installation’s and 66th Medical Squadron health care integrator, is committed to increasing preventative care and screenings to the more than 1,200 patients who visit the Hanscom clinic.
By monitoring internal metrics, Chhoeun is able to flag patients who may be at risk for certain diseases and due for screenings, such as breast and colon cancer, diabetes, viruses and mental health evaluations based on age and medical background, and invite them to the clinic for additional information.
“These outreach efforts are not us just chasing numbers,” said Chhoeun. “We really want to give our patients the best preventative care we can.”
Once a patient is flagged, Chhoeun works with technicians and care physicians who, in turn, work directly with the patients to develop a care plan.
The metrics used at the clinic show the Hanscom community compared to other Air Force medical treatment facilities nation-wide; and although officials are aiming for the highest possible percentage of effectiveness, Chhoeun says the team is not looking to check a box.
“This is about helping patients,” he said. “If we’re taking care of people the way we should be, the records will reflect that.”
Throughout the year, clinic officials push out information on national health awareness months to invite members in for preventative screenings. December is focused on HIV/AIDS awareness, as well as cold and flu season..
“Preventative care is cheaper and better for patients than having to seek treatment,” he said. “Ultimately, we want to encourage the population to stay healthy.”