A closer look physicians, base clinic talk care Published Nov. 6, 2008 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- When approximately 40 local medical providers visited Tinker Oct. 29, it wasn't just for a meet-and-greet. They attended a provider collaboration meeting, hosted by the 72nd Medical Group. Held at the medical group's Heritage Hall, the providers, primarily from Midwest City Regional Medical Center, spoke with 72nd MDG personnel about services provided on-and-off base. "The 72nd MDG's motto is 'Best care anywhere,' and it takes more than one person to provide the 'best care anywhere,'" said medical group senior leaders. On-and-off-base medical providers -- including Midwest City Regional administrators, cardiologists, oncologists, opthamologists -- met for about an hour, listened to briefings and discussed their individual services. Representatives from Humana Military Healthcare Services, the event's sponsor, also attended the event. "This is important because the 72nd Med Group is basically an outpatient clinic," said 1st Lt. Matthew Gross, 72nd Medical Support Squadron TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration flight commander. "For the most part, any care other than routine healthcare is going to have to be obtained from the network facilities. So, naturally, [Midwest City Regional] is a huge part in how we take care of our medical patients." Following the meeting, local medical providers toured an AWACS aircraft with the 552nd Air Control Wing personnel, to see some of Tinker other's capabilities. Lieutenant Gross said he would like to make the provider meeting a bi-annual event. As a result of the Oct. 29 event, senior leaders are reviewing findings and feedback, and will consider inviting other local medical providers to future meetings. Future meetings are not yet scheduled.