The US Army Health Center-Vicenza has unveiled a variety of new services for VMC patients. The changes were announced at this month’s Community and Leader Information Forum (CLIF).
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Vicenza, Italy — A surfeit of new and enhanced healthcare services is coming to the U.S. Army Health Center Vicenza this quarter.
Active duty service members and dependents can look forward to expedient respiratory care, walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations, and educational programs for all pregnant women within the Vicenza Military Community.
Col. Michele Kehrle, the clinic’s commander, addressed the topic at the Community and Leaders Information Forum, Feb. 17. The monthly forum held at the Golden Lion community center on Caserma Ederle was live-streamed on AFN Vicenza and The Garrison Outlook Facebook page.
From Jan. 17 through March 8, the center will provide an acute respiratory care walk-in service. The appointments will provide rapid diagnosis of pneumonia, COVID-19, RSV, and other viral and respiratory illnesses, according to Kehrle, along with treatment plans and return to school or work notes.
“This is a first time ever for us,” Kehrle said speaking of the initiative, which is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m.
Also available for walk-ins is the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. From 8 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays, the Readiness Clinic administers the vaccines for anyone six months of age and older.
For expectant mothers, Kehrle announced the reopening of the OB orientation program, to be held every first Wednesday of the month from 08:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program covers a range of topics, from nutrition to postpartum care.
“This is something we haven’t held since pre-Covid,” Kehrle explained.
Looking to the future, Kehrle also announced plans to set up a Patient Service Center. The center will provide streamlined access to beneficiary counselors, patient advocates, a TriCare service representative, and more.
“Our goal is to have this established way ahead of PCS season, ideally by end of February,” Kehrle said.
Updates on services and scheduling can be found at the health center website.