MDG working to mitigate staffing shortage effects, asks for patients' help Published March 10, 2016 By Staff Reports 78th Medical Group ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 78th Medical Group is committed to providing the safest and highest quality care to Team Robins. From March through July, the 78th MDG will experience a shortage of providers. This shortage could impact your care if you're currently assigned to a provider in the Family Health Clinic. To mitigate staffing shortages, the group has implemented several short-term actions. Family Health has implemented two teams to cover the care of the current three medical teams. Your care will be covered primarily by one of these two teams during this timeframe. This will not impact most members who visit the clinic. However, non-active duty patients assigned to Family Health may occasionally be directed to Urgent Care for acute appointments. Additionally, the 78th MDG is temporarily closing new patient enrollments for retirees and their family members. The group anticipates reopening full enrollment in June. In the interim, the medical group is actively working to expedite hires to overcome staffing shortfalls. Is there something you can do to help? Appointments are a treasured commodity during staffing shortages. The most helpful thing a patient can do to aid the community is cancel appointments they won't be using as soon as possible. By doing that, it frees up an appointment that can be used for another patient. If you know you're going to miss an appointment, call the appointment line at 478-327-7850 within two hours of the scheduled time. That saves about $363 in off-base referral costs and ensures better patient safety when patients and airmen need to be seen at the 78th MDG. We apologize for any inconveniences and appreciate your patience. These temporary measures are the best way to achieve our goal of continuing to provide safe and quality care. Please note, this does not impact Flight Medicine, Women's Health or Pediatrics. Editor's note: For more information, call DSN 497-8475 or 478-327-8475.