Coast Guard: Information on Medical Facilities

The U.S. Coast Guard is renowned for its valiant efforts in protecting the nation's waterways and maritime interests. However, behind the scenes, the Coast Guard operates a comprehensive network of medical facilities that ensure the health and readiness of its 47,000 personnel. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the Coast Guard's medical services, highlighting the key facilities and programs that support the health and well-being of its active duty and reserve members.

The Backbone of Coast Guard Health Care

At the heart of the Coast Guard's health care system is the Office of Health Services (CG-112). This office is responsible for providing health care to active duty and reserve members in support of Coast Guard missions. The office ensures the medical and dental readiness of all Coast Guard personnel, thereby maintaining their ability for worldwide deployment. The CG-112 also strives to provide quality, cost-effective health care for all eligible beneficiaries.

Divisions of CG-112

The Office of Health Services is divided into two main divisions: Operational Medicine and Quality Improvement Division (CG-1K21) and Health Systems Administration Division (CG-1K22).

• Operational Medicine and Quality Improvement Division (CG-1K21): This division is charged with ensuring the Force Health Protection and the medical readiness of all Coast Guard personnel. It ensures that the CG Health Care Program meets established standards in providing the highest possible quality health care to its beneficiaries.

• Health Systems Administration Division (CG-1K22): This division is responsible for budgetary oversight of all Coast Guard health care facilities, management of the Coast Guard’s Medical Information Systems, as well as maintenance of medical policy, directives, and publications.

The Samuel J. Call Health Services Center

One of the premier medical facilities within the Coast Guard is the Samuel J. Call Health Services Center (SJCHSC). Located at the Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey, the SJCHSC is the largest healthcare facility in the Coast Guard. It provides a wide range of health services, including primary care, dental care, mental health services, pharmacy services, physical therapy and sports medicine, laboratory services, radiology services, and optometry.

Services Offered at SJCHSC

The SJCHSC boasts a diverse range of services aimed at ensuring the health and readiness of its personnel.

• Primary Care: The center offers routine primary care services, including check-ups and general medical consultations.

• Dental Services: Dental appointments are scheduled for active duty personnel and recruits. Routine dental services are available on a scheduled basis only, while urgent dental cases are conducted on a walk-in basis.

• Mental Health Services: A licensed psychiatrist staffs the Mental Health Department, providing mental health screenings for recruits and care for the active duty population. All appointments are made by referral through a healthcare provider.

• Laboratory Services: The laboratory is accredited as a moderately complex laboratory through the Center for Medicare and Services. It performs a wide range of tests, both on-site and by reference laboratory.

• Radiology Services: Routine x-rays are performed on-site, while specialized procedures are arranged with other civilian sources. Results are reported directly to the requesting provider only.

• Optometry Services: The optometry clinic is staffed by a licensed optometrist and an optometry assistant. Recruit personnel have first priority, followed by active duty personnel. The clinic also provides eye care services to Veterans Affairs' patients on Tuesdays. Appointments are required, and patients can call (609) 898-6607 for more information.

Base National Capital Region (NCR) Clinic

Another critical facility in the Coast Guard's health care network is the Base National Capital Region (NCR) Clinic. Located in the National Capital Region, this clinic provides ambulatory care, medical evaluations, optometry, pharmacy, laboratory, nutrition, and preventative medicine services. The clinic is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and aims to meet the highest standards of health care services while ensuring maximum access within operational and budgetary resources.

Services at HSWL Base NCR Clinic

The services offered at the HSWL Base NCR Clinic include:

• Ambulatory Care: The clinic provides direct medical and dental support to all active duty personnel at the Headquarters building and multiple outlying units.

• Medical Evaluations: Comprehensive medical evaluations are conducted to ensure the readiness of personnel for deployment.

• Optometry Services: Routine eye care services are provided to ensure that personnel have clear vision for their duties.

• Pharmacy Services: The clinic offers pharmacy services to ensure that medications are readily available for prescription needs.

• Laboratory Services: Laboratory tests are conducted on-site to support diagnostic efforts.

• Nutrition and Preventative Medicine: The clinic provides nutritional counseling and preventative medicine services to promote overall health and wellness.

Medical and Dental Clinics at SMTC

The Surface Military Training Command (SMTC) also operates medical and dental clinics to support its personnel. The Caron Clinic, located at Courthouse Bay, provides medical care for permanent party and students. Sick call is held from 0730-0930, Monday through Friday, and is for acute illnesses requiring immediate care. Prior to attending sick call, personnel must notify their chain of command. For emergencies, personnel should dial 911 or seek treatment at the nearest military treatment facility (MTF) or civilian treatment facility if no MTF is available.

Services at SMTC's Medical Branch

The SMTC's Medical Branch consists of 10 Coast Guard Health Services Technicians (HS) who provide medical care for permanent party and students. The services offered include:

• Sick Call: Sick call is held from 0730-0930, Monday through Friday, for acute illnesses requiring immediate care.

• Non-Acute and Chronic Issues: Appointments may be made for non-acute and chronic issues at the Caron Clinic front desk or over the phone.

• Dental Exams: Dental exams are conducted on a walk-in basis starting at 0700, Monday through Friday. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Challenges in Accessing Medical Care

Despite the robust network of medical facilities, there are challenges in accessing medical care for Coast Guard personnel. A report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted that many Coast Guard units are not near military medical facilities, leading to difficulties in accessing specialized care. Additionally, about 40% of Coast Guard clinics are located in areas with shortages in primary care services, and access to specialty care from civilian providers often exceeds the Department of Defense's standard of 28 days.

Recommendations by GAO

The GAO made several recommendations to improve access to medical care for Coast Guard personnel. These recommendations include:

• Data Sharing: The Coast Guard and the Defense Health Agency (DHA) should agree to share access data to better monitor and address potential access concerns.

• Regular Monitoring: The Coast Guard should regularly analyze data from DHA and its contractors to monitor access to TRICARE, the Department of Defense's health plan.

Conclusion

The U.S. Coast Guard's commitment to ensuring the health and readiness of its 47,000 personnel is evident through its comprehensive network of medical facilities. From the Samuel J. Call Health Services Center to the Base National Capital Region Clinic, each facility plays a critical role in providing a wide range of health services. Despite challenges in accessing medical care, the Coast Guard is taking steps to improve its health care system, ensuring that its personnel are always ready to serve.

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References

1. Office of Health Services (CG-112): [https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Health-Services-CG-112/]
2. Medical Services - Coast Guard: [https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Cape-May/Medical-Services/]
3. Coast Guard Health Care: Additional Actions Could Help Ensure...: [https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105574]
4. Base National Capital Region (NCR) Clinic: [https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Director-of-Operational-Logistics-DOL/Bases/Base-National-Capital-Region/Medical-Clinic/]
5. Medical & Dental Clinics - SMTC - Coast Guard: [https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/SMTC/Services/Medical-Dental/]