97th Medical Group Altus AFB

08/06/2025

🚨Important TRICARE Update on GLP-1 & Weight Loss Medications🚨

If you or someone you know is using GLP-1 medication (like Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, Qsymia, Contrave, or phentermine), here's what you need to know:

🔍 As of August 31, 2025, TRICARE is changing how it covers weight loss drugs: coverage will no longer be available for beneficiaries who are not on TRICARE Prime or Select (including TRICARE for Life and direct-care only users). That means any previously approved prior authorization will become invalid unless you're in Prime or Select.

✅Who is still covered?
+ TRICARE Prime or Select members
+ Enrollees in premium-based plans, such as TRICARE Young Adult, Reserve Select, Retired Reserve, and the CHCBP
+ Must meet clinical eligibility criteria (BMI thresholds documentation of weight loss attempts)
+ Prescription must come from a TRICARE-authorized provider
+ Prior authorization is required

📬 What to expect:
TRICARE beneficiaries affected by this change will receive an official notice in the mail in the coming weeks.

❓What can you do if coverage ends?
+ Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider ASAP
+ Discuss alternative treatments: lifestyle and nutrition counseling, exercise programs, or clinically appropriate therapies
+ If you're diabetic, explore continued coverage under a T2 diabetes diagnosis
+ Use the TRICARE Formulatory Search Tool to check your drug's coverage and prior authorization forms: https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/fst/ #/

Sources:
+ https://newsroom.tricare.mil/News/TRICARE-News/Article/4266447/tricare-coverage-of-weight-loss-medications-what-to-know
+ https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/GLP-1-medications-diabetes-weight-management

Understanding the difference between TRICARE plans and coverage is key to knowing what to expect when filling your prescription. There are different rules about how TRICARE covers these drugs based on

08/06/2025

☀️Introducing: Between the Charts☀️
Behind every chart, every task, and every patient interaction is a real person, a dedicated team member who helps make our mission possible every day. Between the Charts is our way to spotlight the incredible individuals who work behind the scenes.

BETWEEN THE CHARTS
Get to know your Altus AFB Medical Group Team
Primary Care Office Manager/GPM Assistant

Tracy Friedt

Can you tell us a little about your role here at the 97th MDG?

I like to think of myself as the behind-the-scenes engine that keeps Primary Care running smoothly. From managing schedules and paperwork to ensuring patients have timely access to care, I’m constantly juggling a variety of tasks, constantly troubleshooting on the fly! I also train incoming staff and oversee several command driven programs that help keep our team aligned and mission-ready. We serve a population of over 11,000 beneficiaries, and whether it’s appointments, medication questions, or simply offering a calming presence on a stressful day, I aim to meet every patient where they are. My biggest goal? That each person leaves feeling a little better than when they came in. I pour my heart into what I do, and I’m proud to be part of a team that makes a real difference, one patient at a time!

What brought you to Altus, and what has been your favorite part about working here so far?

I’m originally from Alamogordo, New Mexico, home of Holloman AFB, so the Air Force has always been a part of my story. I married into the military, and my husband was stationed here in Altus working with the C-5. When the flight line transitioned to civilian, after retirement, we moved back to New Mexico, but with his specialized experience, I said, ‘Why not give Altus another shot?’ So in 2000, he submitted his paperwork, and here we are, 21 years later, still loving it! Before this, I spent 20 years as a histologist, but I knew I wasn’t done working. I used to say that landing a job at Altus AFB would be like hitting the lottery, and when this position opened up, I felt incredibly blessed to be chosen. The absolute best part of working here is the people, our patients are amazing, and I truly love supporting and watching our young Airmen grow and thrive. And my coworkers? They're like family. Sometimes they know my name before I even learn theirs! It's such a kind, supportive environment. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better place to be.

What’s one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your job?

That’s such a great question! One thing I really wish people understood is that while we truly want to give you the world, and we really do, we have to work within a lot of policies and procedures, like HIPAA and other regulations. We’re not just being sticklers for the rules; we’re protecting your privacy and making sure everything flows safely and smoothly for everyone. It’s like a domino effect: the moment you check in at the front desk, a whole timeline kicks off behind the scenes. That’s why arriving just 10 minutes early is such a game-changer, it’s time you get to keep with your care team, not time lost in the shuffle. Unfortunately, we can’t bend the rules, even when we’d love to make magic happen. Every minute matters, and your appointment window includes everything from check-in to check-out. So a little early bird energy really does go a long way!

What’s something fun or unexpected about you that others might not know?

Something people might not expect about me, I love mud runs! I'm definitely more of a tomboy at heart. Every year, I make it a point to dive into at least one good, messy mud run, it's my kind of fun! I'm also big into CrossFit, and I’ve got a mountain bike that I absolutely love hitting the trails with. As well as I also enjoy curling up and reading a good book every now and then.

08/04/2025

🎥Med Group Pulse - Episode 3: Patient & Family Partnership Council!🎥

Your voice matters.
In this episode of Med Group Pulse, we're spotlighting the Patient and Family Partnership Council (PFPC), a vital platform that brings patients and families to the table to share their insights, experiences, and ideas to help us enhance the care we deliver every day.

The PFPC is all about collaboration. Together, we're working to shape a more patient-centered experience at our Medical Group, and we want you to be a part of it.

Next PFPC Meeting:
📍97th Medical Group
📅3 September 2025
🕦10:30 AM

Interested in attending or have questions?
Contact Mr. Justin Helin at 580-481-5244 for more information.

08/01/2025

BLOOD DRIVE - AUGUST 9TH
Help save lives by donating blood right here on base!

Date: Friday, August 8th
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Altus Air Force Base Commissary

07/14/2025

📢Medical Group Closure Updates📆

Looking for the latest info on when the Medical Group will be closed?
👉 Visit the Altus AFB TRICARE page for the current schedule of upcoming closures:
🔗https://altus.tricare.mil/Getting-Care/Scheduled-Closures

This page will be updated regularly as new information comes in, so check back often to stay informed and plan your visits accordingly.

07/07/2025

📢Medical Group Closure Notification📢

The Medical Group will be closed all day on Thursday, July 10th for required readiness training.

Additionally, we will be closed the morning of Friday, July 11th in support of a Wing Ceremony. Patient care will resume at 1:00 PM on Friday.

We appreciate your understanding as we support mission readiness and unit events.

06/06/2025

📢Schedule Change Notice - 97th Medical Group

Please note a change to our normal training day closure next week.

🔹We will be closed Monday afternoon, June 9th, instead of the usual Thursday morning closure.
🔹There will be no closure on Thursday, June 12th, and we will be open for normal operations.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we support important base events.

06/05/2025

📢Important Update from the 97th Medial Group Laboratory

Effective immediately, the 97th MDG Laboratory will no longer accept paper lab orders from beneficiaries who are not assigned to a 97th MDG Primary Care Manager (PCM).

If you receive care from an off-base provider and are not enrolled to a 97th MDG PCM, please be aware that you will need to have your lab work completed at a TRICARE- approved network laboratory in the local community.

We appreciate your understanding as we align with current policy and ensure the best use of resources. If you have questions or need help finding a network lab, please contact the TRICARE office at 888-874-9378 or call us at 580-481-5398.

TRICARE Lab Services:

This list of covered services is not all inclusive. TRICARE covers services that are medically necessaryTo be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. and considered proven. There are special rules or limits on certain services, and some services a...

06/05/2025

🎥MDG Pulse - Episode 2 is live!🎞

Your healthcare, your updates, straight from the 97th Medical Group! In this episode of MDG Pulse, we're diving into three key topics to keep you informed and empowered:

✅Mental Health & Resiliency - Learn about SilverCloud, your 24/7 self-guided support platform.
✅Patient Travel - Did you know TRICARE covers travel for certain medical care? We'll break down how it works.
✅Virtual Education Center - Explore how this one-stop resource helps you navigate care, benefits, and more, all from your screen.

Stay informed, stay ready, and drop a comment on what topics we can cover next time! ⬇️

06/03/2025

🔔Reminder🔔

The 97th Medical Group's Patient and Family Partnership Council (PFPC) Meeting is happening tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 at 10:30 AM.

This is a good chance to share your experiences, ideas, and feedback to help us improve the quality of care we provide. We're committed to patient-centered care, and your voice helps guide meaningful change at Altus AFB.

See you there!

05/22/2025

Parents and Student-Athletes!
Altus High School will be offering sports physicals for the upcoming school year!

When: May 24, 2025
Where: Altus High School
Cost: $10

This is a quick, affordable way to get it done before the season starts! Please spread the word.

05/07/2025

📢Join Our Patient & Family Partnership Council! 🏨

We're inviting MTF beneficiaries to serve on our Patient & Family Partnership Council, a meaningful opportunity to help shape the care we provide.

📆Next Meeting: June 4th
🕥Time: 10:30 AM

We're looking for:
✅Active Duty Members
✅Military Dependents
✅Retirees and their Family Members
✅TRICARE for Life Beneficiaries

Your voice matters, helps us improve the patient experience for our entire military community.