Readiness

Based on a DOD instruction on Deployment Health (6490.03), the Bureau of Medicine has allocated funding for contractual positions with the main mission of administering the (Post Deployment Health Re-Assessment) PDHRA . There are 3 screening forms specific to deployments: one before, one in-theater and one at the post-deployment 3-6 month mark. The PDHRA is a similar tool to the pre-deployment health assessment, the screening all active duty members must fill out a pre-deployment risk assessment. As the active duty member is redeploying, while in theatre, they must fill out a post deployment health assessment. The focus of the DHC is at the 3-6 month mark after deployment. Recent history has shown military medicine that many service members were returning to their military treatment facilities with deployment related issues not initially upon return, but more often, 3 to 12 months after they return from their deployment and readjust back into their routine.

Because most of the active duty deployments are individual augmentees (IAs), NHCNE has been identifying and tracking names and contact information of the deploying members. When our tracking database shows a person is within their window for the PDHRA, they will be contracted by the IMR Clinic (Individual Medical Readiness) to schedule their appointment. Active duty members can self-refer or call at the suggestion of their command.

The member can expect to complete the DD2900 screening on the computer and speak with the DH nurse regarding any concerns they or their family might have. The DH family nurse practitioner will review the form & assist the individual with concerns or questions and make appropriate medical and/or behavioral health referrals as necessary.

In addition to caring for the actual service member, the Deployment Health Center is also able to assist in providing resources to the member’s dependants who may need supportive care as well. The Deployment Health Center’s goal is to aid in the readjustment of the returning service member to home life, whether home is the barracks, with a family, or transitioning to other roles. We strive to provide you with a variety of services to help ensure you have the skills to perform your military duties, and lead a satisfactory lifestyle.

Periodic Health Assessment

Electronic Health Assessment website
https://eha.health.mil/EHA
 

The Benefits of PHA

Navy Medicine is continually revising its policies to reflect the high operational commitments needed to support the Global War on Terrorism. A program previously known as “Putting Prevention into Practice” (PPIP) has evolved to a much larger and more constructive program. The current program is called the Preventive/Periodic Health Assessment (PHA - OPNAVINST 6120.3). The PHA is an annual requirement to occur within your birth month. It has taken the place of the 5-year physicals, via ManMed Chapter 15 change 126, and the clearance policy for command PT programs, participation in Fitness Enhanced Programs (FEP) and the annual PFA. The PHA also ensures that a member’s readiness status is up to date including lab work, immunizations, audiology, optometry, and other preventive services as indicated.

Let’s break down the differences between the 5-year physical and the PHA. First we’ll look at the 5-year physical. In the past you needed to get a complete physical, every 5 years, including lab work, hearing exam, an eye exam, and a complete head to toe assessment by a medical provider. The PHA, in comparison, is an annual assessment, completed during the service members’ birth month. The recall is coordinated between the IMR Clinic and each tenant commands’ Command Fitness Leader (CFL) or designated readiness liaison. The appointments are done through the IMR Clinic and do not require a head to toe exam. We track different, health trends and schedule an appointment with the Medical Provider or your primary care manager as needed.

So what is Navy Medicine doing for you? These changes have been somewhat confusing. To de-mystify the process let’s explain the rationale behind the instruction. The PHA is a multifaceted tool that includes a thorough record review and a questionnaire on lifestyle behaviors. The medical team will identify various health risk factors, as well as trend out important information such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and your weight over the span of several years. The screening process verifies that there have been no significant changes in your health status, as well as identify the causal relationship between your lifestyle and your health. You can also expect a 10 minute appointment to review screening and address PHA issues with a medical provider. The educational process is the key component, as many people have not had an in-depth analysis of their health and wellness status to identify the cause and effect.

The entire process is very efficient and won’t take up much of your time. Records are screened prior to the appointment date. This gives us an opportunity to find readiness discrepancies and outdated information. Each patient comes in at 0630 on their scheduled day to initiate fasting lab work, paperwork (PHA questionnaire), and hearing/eye exam as indicated. The member also has a follow-up time the same day in which he/she will meet with one of our staff members, review findings and trends, discuss readiness and immunization status.

Using a tracking program known as IMR Lite, combined with Navy Medicine Online, we can track the individual readiness status of each tenant command. The medical readiness of each service member will be classified according to the following system outlined in BUMED Note 6120:

(1) Fully medically ready: Member is current in all categories, including dental class 1 or 2.

(2) Partially medically ready: Member lacks any immunizations, lab studies, or medical equipment (i.e. glasses, gas mask inserts, etc.).

(3) Not medically ready: Personnel with a deployment limiting condition (including those hospitalized or convalescing from serious illness or injury) or dental class 3.

(4) Medical Readiness indeterminate: Unable to determine health status due to missing health record, overdue readiness assessment, or dental class 4.

“Tracking of IMR data benefits the individual and unit by ensuring personnel are protected against infectious and endemic diseases, can safely receive prophylaxis treatments, have required medical equipment, and are in good dental health” (BUMED Note 6120).

Participation in the PHA process is essential to maintain the highest level possible for your health and wellness. The PHA is not only important for personal gain, but also to support your commands mission and your ability to respond rapidly to deployments.

For PE:

Your Active Duty Physical Exam is a two-part process. Part I includes: completion of forms, lab work, eye and hearing exams, EKG (if applicable), and vital signs. Part II will be booked 7-10 days following the completion of Part I.

Requirements to initiate Part I for the Physical Exam.

1. You must be currently serving on Active Duty.
2. Be a TRICARE Prime enrollee.
3. Type II Annual Dental Exam completed within the past twelve months for Routine Periodic Physicals or within the last six months for Separation or Retirement Physicals. For appointment, see the Dental Readiness Clinic.
4. For Women, the following must be completed within the past twelve months: Well Woman Exam and Mammogram (40 years and older). Both of these appointments can be made with you Primary Care Manager.

Prepare for Your Physical:

1. Fast for 12-14 hours prior to laboratory testing.
2. Do not consume any alcohol for 72 hours prior to laboratory testing.
3. Contact lenses need to be removed for the Eye Exam, eye glasses are recommended.

For an appointment at the site nearest you:

• NBHC Saratoga Springs, NY (518)583-5300
• NBHC Portsmouth, NH (207)438-2450
• NBHC Groton, CT (860)694-2033
• NHCNE, Newport RI (401) 841-6186
• Monday – processing day for OCS

Physical Exams

About this service: