375th MDG now scheduling school physicals Published June 26, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Last year, the 375th Medical Group set aside a day for parents to bring their children in to receive their school and sports physicals. This year, to provide more time with the health care providers, the clinic asks that individual appointments be made by calling 256-WELL or booking online. "In the past, we had about 15-20 individuals going through at one time," said Tech. Sgt. Heather Coles, 375th MDG pediatrician flight chief. "It seemed like they were rushed through the vital signs and the height and weight exams. Then, they would go into the waiting room and wait and wait. Instead of having the parents sitting here waiting, we wanted to have personalized appointments. It allows one-on-one provider care and makes it a better appointment for everybody." One advantage with the clinic switching to this new system is that families don't have to worry about missing the group physical day. Capt. Michelle Kolcun, Group Practice manager said, "Families want to take vacation, and that vacation could happen during that one day we had the physical scheduled for. We received some feedback from parents saying that they prefer being able to call in and make an appointment. Physicals will be done at the clinic the child is assigned to. If assigned to the Belleville Family Medicine, the child will go to that clinic for their physical." Coles said, "We are encouraging people to book early. However, parents need to be aware that appointments have already started to fill up. We want parents to book now, but they need to be flexible with their dates. Right now, we are looking at July appointments, and we will have appointments through September." Not every student needs to have a physical done. Only students entering kindergarten, 6th grade, transferring in from another location and students participating in sports are required to have a physical this year. Students must have a physical done before Oct. 15, or they might not be able to attend the school. To make the check-in process faster and more efficient, the pediatrician recommends going to the 375th MDG check-in desk and asking for the school/sports physical paperwork. Parents can also email 375mdg.physicals@us.af.mil, and be sent the electronic version to be filled out and brought in to the appointment. She also said parents don't need to bring the Illinois High School Association/Illinois Elementary School Association forms. Coles said the slotted time for the physical is not a time to discuss smaller issues. "When you come in for your school or sports physical, this is not the time to address acute issues, like allergies, cold symptoms, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder follow up, or rashes. That's not what this appointment is for," Coles said. "It's not for refilling medications, unless it's an EpiPen Auto-Injector or Albuterol inhaler. All the other stuff needs to be in a separate appointment." To make an appointment, parents have several options: · Call 256-WELL · Book through MiCare · Send email to 375mdg.physicals@us.af.mil · Tricare online For more information, call 256-WELL or email 375mdg.physicals@us.af.mil.