Last week, Fort Drum cut the ribbon on a brand new $35 million addition to its Guthrie Health Clinic and people there say the benefits are more than just additional space. Our Brian Dwyer has more on how the building will lead to more efficient care for soldiers and their families.

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FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- With the snap of the scissors, Fort Drum began the newest phase of its efforts to improve health care. And while it is important extra space, MEDDAC officials say the real expansion is the services that space can help provide. Mainly a new initiative called Army Medical Home.

Using the new space and new hires, teams are created, each one with specific doctors, nurses, pediatricians, front office staff and more. Every soldier or family member will be assigned a team, rather than just getting whoever is available, which was the way it was before.

"If you were to show up and let’s say your primary care provider wasn't available, the nursing staff that's been seeing you all along is there to somewhat fill in the holes and gaps that a new provider may not have known," Fort Drum MEDDAC Commander Col. Mark Thompson said.

Thompson says it also saves a lot of headaches. Gone are the days of having to tell the same story on seven trips to seven different doctors. It's also a huge money saver, as doctors aren't repeating unnecessary and sometimes unsuccessful steps in treatment.

"Unquestionably," Lt. Col. Christian Meko, the Fort Drum Deputy Commander for Clinical Services said. "Doing the same thing over again is a tremendous amount of time and a tremendous amount of resources. Everybody knows the health care dollar is being scrutinized very closely right now and we want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck."

MEDDAC says it will soon add behavioral health providers as part of the teams. There are even plans to add nutritionists.

"Rather than hit you only when you're sick and need a doctor's care, we're able to provide a system of care that you need to stay healthy," Lt. Col. Meko added.

There will be four different teams at this facility, each designed for different needs.

For soldiers who would like to know more about the program and what home team they have, you can call the clinic at (315) 772-2778.