72nd MDG accepting new patients at clinic Published Feb. 6, 2009 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Opportunity is knocking on the proverbial door and 72nd Medical Group officials encourage active duty family members to answer it. For a limited time, the medical group is accepting new primary care patients. So far, the group has accepted roughly 100 new patients. Officials said there is room for up to 500 more new patients. "This is a great opportunity," said Lt. Col. Timothy Dykens, 72nd Medical Operations Squadrons senior group practice manager. "Take advantage of it." Colonel Dykens said there are several benefits to seeing on-base physicians. Among them is convenience. Once enrolled, a patient's complete medical history is filed and maintained at the medical group, and appointments can be made online at www.TRICARE.mil. Additionally, when a patient is out and about at the base exchange, commissary or at Information, Tickets and Travel, stopping at the clinic for medical needs may not be as much of a hassle as leaving base to see a doctor. Colonel Dykens said military physicians understand active duty family members' struggles and lifestyles. "We're military too," he said. "We have a far better understanding of what a military family goes through than a downtown provider." To enroll in the program, dependents must go to the TRICARE service center, next to the family practice waiting area in Bldg.. 5801, and speak with a representative. Colonel Dykens said the wait shouldn't last more than 10 minutes.