Medical Group provides many women’s health services Published June 12, 2013 By Airman Megan Friedl 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Medical Group provides many services for Scott Air Force Base women. In light of Women's Health Awareness Month, the medical group is spreading awareness of the many services available. Females, 13 years old and above, who are assigned to Tricare North are eligible to be seen by providers and nurses. However, younger females may be seen upon request. Women can and should be seen for various reasons. For any situation providers and nurses are available. According to American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it is recommended that a girl who is 13 to 15 years old should make their first appointment with their gynecologist or women's health provider in order to establish a relationship and rapport. "Teen pregnancy has become a problem, and we would like to address it before it becomes a reality by providing contraceptive management and preventative measures," said Maj. Tracy Edwards, 375th MDG nurse practitioner and OB/GYN services flight commander. Females who are 17 or older can receive emergency contraception by presenting their ID card to the Scott pharmacy within 72 hours of intercourse. If younger than 16, the patient must call 256-WELL (9355) to request a prescription. Other services that are provided include the annual Well Women Examination, Sexually Transmitted Infections prevention/ testing/ treatment, contraceptive management, OB care, high-risk maternity care, GYN surgeries, diagnosis and treatments of complex reproductive disorders, menopause symptom treatment, walk-in pregnancy testing, birth control refills and medical administration. The clinic also offers an OB orientation and lactation classes. In 2006 the clinic converted from inpatient to outpatient at the St. Elizabeth's Hospital located in Belleville, Ill. Since then they have grown a strong relationship with the clinic. Pregnant women who are going into labor and are about to give birth should plan to go there. Women between the ages of 21 to 65 years are highly encouraged to come to the clinic June 24, 25 and 28 for their annual exam if they are due between the months of June and October. Those days will have specific blocks dedicated to providing cervical cancer screening, preventative health education, clinical breast exams, and contraceptive management information. Annual Well Women Exam appointments are recommended to develop a relationship with them. The providers will keep the information patients provide private. This enables patients to be completely truthful so they receive the best care possible. Sharon Guadalupe, 375th MDG, OB coordinator, said, "The nurses and providers are always looking to give the best care." To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call the central appointment desk at 256-WELL.