Introducing MiCare to Laughlin Published May 28, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Lyle T. Ratcliffe 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Registration for a new medical service will be available for all patients of Laughlin's Medical Treatment Facility beginning May 28, 2013. MiCare is a confidential and secure messaging system that will allow users a method of communication other than the telephone in order to address their medical needs. "MiCare will save hours of phone tag by eliminating timing conflicts for phone conversations," said Tech. Sgt. Christina Courtney, 47th Medical Support Squadron Tricare operation and patient administration flight chief. "Using MiCare, a patient will be able to contact the whole provider team and not worry about calling the incorrect people for their needs." MiCare is being adopted by MTFs all over the Air Force as the primary communication tool between health care providers and patients. According to the Air Force Medical Operations Agency, 47 MTFs are currently using MiCare, and they expect full implementation by the end of this year. "Eventually, people will be able to view their Personal Health Record online and handle certain tasks over MiCare instead of having to come into the MTF and see a provider face to face," said Courtney. "This will allow the MTF to have more available appointments during the day to help those who need treatment." In order to register, patients must come into the MTF in person to start the enrollment process. Once they are registered, they can transfer to any MTF in the Air Force without having to re-register, said Courtney. "This is a very beneficial system, and we are excited to implement it here at Laughlin in order to serve our patients in a more efficient manner," said Courtney. For more information, visit www.afms.af.mil/micare or contact Courtney at christina.courtney@us.af.mil.