New appointment line coming soon to base hospital Published Oct. 1, 2009 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The 3rd Medical Group staff appreciates the feedback it receives and will continue to look for ways to improve patients' access to care. In addition to a surge in requests for appointments due to the H1N1 flu, an Aug. 26 basewide power outage permanently damaged the computer that supports the central appointment line at the 3rd Medical Group. A replacement was already on order and should be installed in November. In the mean time, a temporary workaround was implemented with assistance from the 3rd Communications Squadron. Unfortunately, the standard phone tree will not be used again until the new automated call distributor is installed. Patients can call 580-2778 7:30 a.m.-4 3:30 p.m. to book an appointment, but will not hear the usual recorded messages. The MDG staff apologizes for the inconvenience this may cause and remains committed to providing high quality care to all of its Department of Defense, U.S. Coast Guard and Veterans Administration patients. (Information courtesy of the 3rd MDG)