Cold Care Clinic now appointment-focused Published Feb. 6, 2009 By Mary Lou Gorny Hilltop Times Staff Writer HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The Hill Air Force Base Airmen Clinic in Building 570 annex announces a new policy for the Cold Care Clinic. Where before the focus has been on walk-in service to address cold symptoms, Lt. Col. Pennie Pavlisin, 75th Medical Operations Squadron commander, emphasizes that the system -- call-in appointments -- will keep wait times down, ensure quicker service and allow work supervisors to have a better idea of how long an absence will be involved on the part of the Airmen. "So if you are experiencing a sinus problem, cold congestion, runny nose for two weeks or less -- these are the cold symptoms that you may be seen for in the Cold Care Clinic," Pavlisin said. A cold normally lasts 10-14 days and while it runs its course, over the counter cold medications may help relieve the symptoms. If one is not feeling better, then it's time to call for an appointment with the nurse and be evaluated, she said. The Cold Care Clinic runs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. During the transition period, the clinic does expect some walk-ins but the focus will be on educating everyone to become aware of the new focus on the call-in appointment process. Walk-ins will be triaged as necessary and there may be extended wait times. The "Take Care of Yourself" book is a handy resource to have in determining whether or not a visit to the clinic is in order, Pavlisin emphasizes. "The clinic will provide a copy if you don't have one. This is a great resource for determining whether or not you need to be seen and how urgent the need for is for care."