Mike O'Callaghan Treatment Facility Upgrades to Expand Care Published Feb. 14, 2012 By 1st Lt. Ken Lustig 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Mike O'Callaghan Federal Medical Center has begun adding new services and a larger capacity for care. The former federal hospital was redesignated in this year's defense authorization bill, clearing it for the expansion. Maj. James Combs of the 99th Medical Dental Support Squadron, head of patient administration, said the new designation means the center will join the military's highest tier of military treatment facilities in both capability and capacity to take care of patients. The facility will add approximately 160 new staff members, advanced trauma and critical care capability, and several additional specialty care services. A $50 million renovation planned for the next two fiscal years will help the hospital transition. Updates to equipment and facilities will accompany the new services. Existing spaces will also be repurposed for new uses as the Veteran's Administration medical staff currently working in the hospital move to a new VA facility in nearby Las Vegas. "The biggest benefit to our patients in the local area is that they can expect a higher level of access to care, additional services and an expanded scope of specialty care," he added. A major expansion in services will be extended to military retirees over the age of 65, who primarily rely on Medicare instead of TriCare for their health care coverage. The hospital will soon open its doors to these beneficiaries. "It's important to note that using the medical center will not take away the Medicare benefit; it adds to it," Combs emphasized. Trauma care services and critical care capability are among the largest new services being added. The medical center will also add vascular surgery, interventional radiology and trauma surgery services. A cardiac catheter laboratory stood up earlier this year. The transition also brings an influx of expertise and specialists to the staff. The hospital is adding trauma care and critical care teaching programs, which will complement a joint residency program with the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. Surgical staff from both facilities will begin performing surgical rotations at both facilities to share knowledge and experience. The Air Force Surgeon General's Office selected the former Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital to become a medical center last year. Combs said that patients can access care services at the facility through TriCare at 1-888-Tri-West (1-888-874-9378) or locally, 702-653-2078. Appointments for patients who are already empanelled at the medical center are available by using the appointment line, 702-653-CARE (702-653-2273).
