Acupuncture is a treatment that promotes natural healing. It increases healing and immunity, supports physical and emotional health. It is a safe, painless way to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

An acupuncturist gathers information about your condition to determine imbalances of Qi (vital energy) that may be contributing to your health problems. After detection of imbalances, an acupuncturist places fine, sterile needles at specific points of the body. The use of needles can unblock the obstruction and balance Qi. Qi can then freely move to cells, organs, glands, tissues, and muscles. This can stop pain and repair balance and harmony, as well as the body’s ability to heal itself.

Generally speaking, the insertion of acupuncture needles does not cause pain in patients. The needles themselves are extremely thin. The needles stay close to the surface, within the skin itself. 

Internal conditions: high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, cysts, side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, chronic fatigue syndrome, low immune function, weight problems
Eyes, ears, nose and throat conditions: colds, hepatitis, ringing in ears, poor eyesight, dizziness, sinus infections, sore throat
Dermatological conditions: acne, eczema, wrinkles
Musculoskeletal and Neurological conditions: arthritis, chronic low back pain, sciatica, tendinitis, stiff neck, numbness/tingling, headaches, migraines, neuralgia
Genitourinary and Reproductive conditions: impotence, infertility, irregular periods/cramps, morning sickness
Psychological and Emotional conditions: anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, addiction, ADHD
 

General Anesthesia involves the complete loss of consciousness, which includes the loss of sensation, pain, and awareness. We achieve this with medications through an IV line.
Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) involves the use of IV medications to reduce pain and anxiety during procedures. We often use MAC along with local anesthetics.
Regional Anesthesia produces a short-term loss of feeling and movement to a certain area of the body.
 

The risks of serious complications from anesthesia are very rare. Some medical conditions will put patients at an increased risk during surgery. We can identify risks and intervene when medical complications arise. It is important to talk with us about your medical conditions so we can identify potential risks in advance.

For your safety, it is important your stomach is empty before you have surgery. Most drugs used for anesthesia will decrease protective reflexes that keep stomach contents from entering the lungs. This process, known as aspiration, is rare but serious and can cause significant damage. We ask you not to have food or drink after midnight.

Whether you should take your medicine before surgery depends on what medications you are taking. Many medications and supplements interact with the medications given during anesthesia. Please talk to us about all your medications and supplements prior to the day of surgery.

Utilize the appointment tab on TRICARE Online or call (907) 361-4000. If you use TRICARE Online you can print confirmation of your cancellation. 

A typical appointment is 20 minutes with your provider. Certain appointments and procedures are 40 minutes long.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Bring a list of your medications any other documentation about your medical history, so we may better assist you with your health care.

Not at this time. We are working towards making this an option.   
 

Yes, but due to staffing shortages we may refer to off-post providers. 

No, we currently refer patients with autism to off-post providers. 

No. We schedule appointments for you with a tele-health provider.
 

No. We are not able to recommend providers. However, if you go to TRICARE Online you can search TRICARE in-network providers.
 

A chiropractor focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders through manual adjustment of the spine.

You can wear your regular attire. No need to change into anything specific unless otherwise requested at your first visit.

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe throughout your entire pregnancy. We have special accommodation to make you comfortable while being treated.

You can call the appointment line 907-361-4000, leave a secure email message - visit www.tolsecuremessaging.com to send a message to your health care team or fill out a “How May We Help You” form at the reception desk.

EFMP, the Exceptional Family Member Program,  works with other military and civilian agencies to provide community support. Support includes housing, education and medical services to families with special needs. Enrollment in the EFMP documents family members with special needs. Enrollment protects family member’s special needs during the service member’s assignment process. 
 
 

Updates are required when a registered family member's special needs change, or at least every three years, whichever occurs first.
 
 

Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory for Active Duty Service members by AR 608-75.
 
 

No, neither the EFMP office, or our staff, makes the decision on soldier assignments. This decision is made by Human Resources Command.
 

The Family Member Travel Screening ensures assignments for service members are to locations that can support their families’ needs.
 
 

It is the goal of the ER to triage patients within 10 minutes of registration. The triage nurse then categorizes the patient by severity of triage symptoms. The more severe the category the quicker patients are seen.  The ER is not a first-come-first served clinic.  After triage, the patient waits in a room for a medical provider.  On average, patients wait over two hours to see the provider. 

Common laboratory tests and radiology exams take a minimum of one hour to process. This wait time will take place in the treatment room.
A CT scan with contrast is a minimum of a three-hour wait.
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital runs all after-hour ultrasounds and emergent MRIs. Transfer of the patient to FMH will take place by ambulance. Wait times are based on FMH availability.
 

If the emergency room provider determines you need an emergent MRI to save life, limb, or eyesight, you will receive emergent MRI.  The emergency room physician will not order an MRI for patients presenting with chronic medical issues. Patients with chronic medical issues must see their primary care provider. 

No. We cannot give out medical advice over the phone. 

Yes.  A valid ID card is required to verify eligibility for services.

No. We can provide help in retrieving your immunization records.
 
 
 

Most likely. It is best to see your Primary Care Provider or Public Health eight weeks prior to international travel.
 

No. However, Bassett ACH Dining Facility is open for breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Access to a refrigerator and microwave are also available on the unit.

Each room is a private room. You will not have to share rooms with other patients. Each room has a telephone, television, a closet for storing personal items, and a private bathroom with a shower.

 Please complete labs seven days before your appointment.
 
 

The Joint Outpatient Experience Survey (JOES) is a DoD survey for patients who received outpatient care. Patients receive the survey randomly through the mail. Feedback comes back to us anonymously and helps us to improve care.
 

Lab results go into your Electronic Health Record (EHR) when completed.  Lab techs are not able to give out lab results to patients; you must contact your clinic/provider for all lab results. 

Most lab results will be back within 24 hours.  Some tests go to a lab outside of Bassett ACH. These have a usual turn-around-time of 7 days. Other tests, such as genetic testing, can take weeks.

Due to our remote location and difficulties with shipping specimens over the weekend or over holidays, certain rarely ordered tests might have to take place Monday through Wednesday. You may call the lab number to find out if any of your ordered tests fall under these specific requirements.

For sample drop-off, call the after-hours lab number to let the technician know you are out front waiting. They will come gather your sample and document it in our computer system. 

Our policy does not allow for children in the room when labs are drawn.

To receive triage at MNU you must be 20 weeks pregnant or more.
 

For safety purposes, patients cannot bring scented oils or candles.

Common comfort items include:
Your cell phone, tablet, laptop, chargers, camera, favorite pillow for both mom and support person, lip balm, personal hygiene items, change of clothing, and snacks
 

Yes. With approval from delivering provider, you may have someone take photos or video. No filming is permitted from below the waist.

Generally, mothers delivering a baby will stay for 24 hours with the option to remain up to 48 hours after a vaginal delivery. Mothers delivering by cesarean section generally remain up to 96 hours.

You can check in for your nutrition appointment in the Specialty Care Clinic within Bassett ACH.

No.

No.  You must see a credentialed dietitian to satisfy the requirement of Army Regulation 600-9.  It is encouraged to use the Army Wellness Center in meeting your healthy weight loss goal(s).

Yes. Please bring a three-day food diary with you.  A three-day food diary should include at least two week days and one weekend day of what you typically eat and drink.  In addition, please annotate any nutritional supplements you are taking.

Yes.  You can sign up for childbirth classes through the OB clinic.  We recommend taking these evening classes the month before your due date. 

The women’s health clinic (Obstetrics and Gynecology) is a referral only clinic.  Please see your provider for any gynecologic issues.  If necessary, your provider places a referral to GYN on your behalf.  Our scheduler places a call to you within three business days of receiving the referral. Please make sure your phone number is accurate in DEERS and your voice mail is set up so we can leave a message. 

Both the family practice clinic and women’s health clinic offer multiple birth control options.  If family practice cannot provide you with your desired birth control option, your provider places a referral to GYN on your behalf.  Both clinics offer OCPs (the Pill), Depo Provera, Nuva Ring, IUDs, and Nexplanon. 

There are requirements to receive a referral to the women’s health clinic for infertility issues. Please discuss your concerns with your provider to get a referral to our clinic.  Once referred, our clinic orders lab tests and any necessary ultrasounds or radiology procedures based on your history.  We then create a plan of care for you. We offer ovulation induction medications such as Clomid and Letrozole. 

No. We only give you the prescription; all contacts are received and paid for out of pocket at off base clinics.

No. Only active duty and retirees are able to get glasses at the optometry clinic on post.

After your referral, we call within 72 hours.  Please make sure your phone number is accurate in DEERS and your voice mail is set up so we can leave a message.  A dating ultrasound is your first appointment, generally around 8-9 weeks gestation.  The second appointment is a group intake class between 9-11 weeks gestation. No children allowed at this group class. The group intake provides you with multiple educational materials and information to help answer the many questions you may have about your pregnancy care and OB services offered at Bassett ACH.
 

There are three main ways to contact your provider:

1. You can call the appointment line 907-361-4000
2. Use Secure Messaging at www.tolsecuremessaging.com to send a secure message your provider.
3. Fill out a “How May We Help You” form at the family practice reception desk.

Yes, but if your child had a physical in the last 12 months you do not need an appointment in clinic. You may fill out a “How May We Help You” form at the reception desk. The clinic will notify you when the forms are ready, usually within 2 to 3 business days.

Your child should have a well-child visits at: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months and then yearly after 2 years old. Yes, we love to see your children when they are healthy too!

You do not need an appointment to receive updated records. You may fill out a “How May We Help You” form at the reception desk. The clinic will notify you when the forms are ready, usually within 2 to 3 business days.
 

Yes. If the patient is 10 years or older, their military ID card is required to pick up the prescription. A current copy of the ID card is also acceptable. Patients can photocopy a military ID card to assist in proof of eligibility and for the purpose of medical care. If you need additional assistance, go to the Patient Administration office at Bassett ACH for a statement of eligibility.

Yes. If the patient is 10 years or older, their military ID card is required to pick up the prescription. A current copy of the ID card is also acceptable. Patients can photocopy a military ID card to assist in proof of eligibility and for the purpose of medical care. If you need additional assistance, go to the Patient Administration office at Bassett ACH for a statement of eligibility.

The pharmacy may be able to process a refill or provide an emergency supply until the provider can put in a prescription renewal as needed. Please go to the pharmacy for help. If it is a federal holiday, the emergency room may be able to assist.
 

Yes. The pharmacy offers an Over-The-Counter (OTC) program. Patients can get four items each week if we have them in stock. See the pharmacy page for a full list of OTC medications offered.
 

Movement is medicine, and PTs treat pain through movement and education. PTs can help increase physical activity levels to improve your overall health and help reduce your risk of other diseases.
 

Wear loose fitting athletic clothing that does not restrict your movement. If being seen for a lower extremity (hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot) condition, then wear shorts. If being seen for a shoulder condition, wear a sleeveless tank top under your outerwear.

First, understand that PTs never intentionally hurt patients. However, sometimes there needs to be a temporary increase in pain to achieve the goals of improved motion, increased strength, and even pain relief.
 

In order to fulfill your PT’s plan of care the front desk staff will book your appointments, which can be several times a week for a month. The front desk staff will try to keep you with the same provider for as many appointments as possible. However, sometimes it does not work out. Sometimes that provider does not have availability when your appointment needs to be scheduled.
 

If you increase your range of motion and strength prior to a surgery, then it can improve your post-operative outcomes.

Your provider should give the results of your exam to you. If you need the results of your exam for continued care by an off-post provider, we can put the images and result on a disk for you.
 

To check-in after hours for an MRI, please follow the directions at the radiology front desk. Call the number posted (907-361-5634) and fill out the pre-screening form placed alongside the instructions. A technician will come to the waiting room to assist you.

Yes. To requests records patients must come to Patient Administration on the first floor next to radiology to request paperwork.

No. You must request those from the radiology department directly.

 We complete records request in 30 business days or less. 
 
 

The first copy of your medical record is free. There is a small fee for a complete second copy.

Family members enrolled in Prime can use either US Healthworks/Concentra Urgent Care or PMPediatrics without a referral. Referrals will no longer be given by TRICARE for Tanana Valley Clinic 1st Care. 

You will not receive an authorization letter in the mail. You can sign up to receive text or email alerts to your referral at www.TRICARE-West.com View and print your letter with contact information for your authorized provider from the website. 

Yes. You must have an adult escort over 18 years old who will stay at the hospital for your entire surgery. This person must drive you home and stay with you for 12 hours after your procedure. If you do not have an escort on the day of surgery, your procedure may be cancelled. For more information, call us at (907) 361-5255.

If you live far away, call us and let us know your situation. You may qualify for a telephonic pre-operative appointment.
 

It is our privilege to care for our nation’s veterans.
 

Yes. We just need a referral from your off base provider.
 

Yes. We frequently do combined cases with gynecology, orthopedics and ENT.

The TRICARE Inpatient Satisfaction Survey (TRISS) is a DoD survey for patients who received inpatient care. Patients get the survey randomly through the mail. Feedback comes back to us anonymously and helps us to improve care.
 

The Walk-in Clinic is located on the first floor in the primary care clinic, next to the player piano.

• Pregnancy Testing
• Strep Throat Screening (3 y/o and up)
• Urinary Tract Infection Screening (females 15 and over)
• Depo-Provera Injections
• EKG’s
• Wound Care
• Weight Checks
• Suture Removal

You can check in for the Walk-In Clinic at either reception window located in primary care.