LESSON 3
Section I. MILITARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
3-1.
INTRODUCTION
A hospital is a complex world unto itself, equipped with everything from a supply
system, kitchen, clerks, housekeepers, communications systems, transportation
systems, sleeping facilities, and monitoring services, to its own personnel scheduling
and supervision system. It is a 24-hour-a-day environment that never stops to sleep.
There are always patients with a never-ending array of physical and emotional needs.
The department of radiology is just one part of the hospital system. And, you, as a
radiologic technologist, need to know where you fit into the scheme of things within the
hospital.
3-2.
THE TROOP MEDICAL CLINIC
The military health care system is comprised of many levels. Routine sick call for
active duty military personnel begins at the troop medical clinic (TMC) where records for
active duty personnel are maintained. When a soldier is issued a sick slip from his or
her unit, he or she reports to the TMC for initial care. Active duty personnel cannot
simply walk into a hospital for treatment. Care begins at the TMC level. If the medical
problem cannot be adequately diagnosed or treated at this level, the patient is then sent
for further diagnostic testing and/or treatment at a hospital.
3-3.
THE EMERGENCY ROOM
The emergency room of a military hospital, that is, an army community hospital
or medical department activity (MEDDAC), treats both active duty and civilian
emergencies. No medical records are maintained in the emergency room, but all
necessary diagnostic facilities are immediately available here. Specialty and support
facilities are also available. (Family members make appointments through the TMC
appointment system for routine care.)
3-4.
THE ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
The Army community hospital provides both inpatient and outpatient care.
Diagnostic, treatment, and support departments are provided at this level of care.
Radiology is one example of a diagnostic service. The patient is always referred to the
radiology department. No patient can simply walk in and request x-rays. Specialty
clinics such as orthopedic, surgical, and obstetrical departments are also provided at
this level of care.
MD0064
3-2
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