Children's Health/Pediatrics

Pediatrics 

Important Update on Services

Altus Medical Group has a pediatrician vacancy that is expected to last into summer 2026.  To address this, the Altus Medical Group is issuing referrals allowing patients to go to Jackson County Memorial Hospital Pediatrics for 180 days. We won’t give referrals until you contact our appointment line or secure message our team with health care needs. Please continue to use the appointment line or use secure messaging to communicate with our pediatrics clinic. We still have nurses and support staff to help with patient needs. In some cases we can help you without issuing a primary care referral.

We aren’t disenrolling pediatric patients from the Altus Air Force Base clinic. Patients don’t need to move enrollment to a pediatrician with Jackson County Memorial Hospital Pediatrics Clinic. Those requests won’t be approved for patients on TRICARE Prime.  Active duty family members using the primary care referral during this period won’t have premiums or cost-shares, however retiree family members may have cost-shares for care outside of the military hospital.

Who We Treat 

We provide comprehensive primary care for TRICARE Prime-enrolled patients from birth to age 17. Our clinic offers holistic care, including well-child visits, acute care, chronic condition management, vaccinations, and specialty care referrals. 

Appointments & Access to Care 

Due to not having a pediatrician on staff, please use the following guidelines:

Emergency Care

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, go to the closest emergency department. Don't call Altus Medical Group or JCHM Pediatrics.

Urgent Care

During Business Hours
1. Call the Altus Medical Group appointment line. Staff will triage you and either book you directly to a virtual encounter or send you to urgent care.
2. Contact the Altus Medical Group Pharmacy for over the counter medication options.

After Business Hours
1. Contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line or use telehealth options.
2. Follow up with Altus Medical Group after the encounter.

Routine Care

1. Call Altus Medical Group (580-481-5235) or send a secure message through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to get a referral to JCMH Pediatrics.
2. It takes three business days for the referral to appear in your TriWest patient account and to get to JCMH Pediatrics Clinic.
3. If you aren't contacted in three business days, call JCMH Pediatrics (580-379-6100) to schedule a visit.
4. Call Altus Medical Group Referral Management (580-481-5382) if you experience referral issues or delays.

Vaccines & Immunizations 

We continue to provide immunization services. Keeping your child up to date on vaccines is essential to prevent illness. We follow Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines for immunizations. Find more details on the CDC website.  

• Vaccines & Immunizations 
• Growing Up with Vaccines: What Should Parents Know? 

DEERS Enrollment for Newborns 

Although you’ll see off-base pediatric providers for newborn care, it is still important to register your newborn by following the steps below.

Important Steps to Enroll Your Newborn 

1. Register your child in MHS GENESIS: Call Patient Administration at 580-481-5362 to generate a DOD ID number. 
2. Enroll in DEERS: Take the DOD ID number to the DEERS/ID office in Building 52 once you have the official birth certificate and Social Security Number. Schedule appointments online at https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/locator. 
3. Enroll in TRICARE Prime: Call TriWest at 1-844-866-9378 to assign a Primary Care Manager (PCM) at Altus Medical Group. We enroll patients who live within a 60-minute drive. If your drive time is greater than 30 minutes, you must sign an access to care waiver. 

Note: We can see your newborn at Altus Medical Group before DEERS enrollment, but your child won’t be covered for off-base care until officially enrolled in DEERS and a TRICARE plan. The mother’s OB referral covers specialty care for the newborn up to 90 days.  

Medication & Referral Renewals 

See our reference guide to learn how to use a primary care referral to get medications and referrals from an off-base pediatrician .

• Medications: Request renewals through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. We'll process requests within 72 hours.  
• Referrals: Submit renewal requests through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, including details like specialty, provider name, and diagnosis.  

Physical Exams 

See our reference guide to learn how to use a primary care referral to get a physical exam from an off-base pediatrician.

• School Physicals: Covered by TRICARE. Call to schedule.  
• Sports Physicals: Not covered by TRICARE. Due to clinic demand, we have limited availability. Contact us to schedule well in advance. 

Parental & Guardian Requirements 

• A biological parent or legal guardian must accompany children.  
• Stepparents need a medical power of attorney to accompany a stepchild.  
• Visit the Welcome Center or Base Legal Services/Staff Judge Advocate Office to obtain an MPOA.  

For any additional questions, send a secure message through the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.