Wilford Hall Nephrology Clinic moves to SAMMC Published Dec. 9, 2011 By Sue Campbell 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Nephrology Clinic will move to San Antonio Military Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston Dec. 30, 2011. The move is part of the Base Realignment and Closure process. After that date there will be very limited nephrology service at Wilford Hall. "The Air Force Nephrology Clinic is merging with the existing clinic at SAMMC. Combining strengths and experience will enhance care for our patients and training for future Air Force nephrologists; as this is the site of the Air Force's only nephrology fellowship." said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Laveta McDowell, 59th Medical Operations Group." The nephrology clinic provides a complete range of consultative, diagnostic and treatment services for patients with kidney diseases. The scope of care encompasses all stages of kidney disease, from earliest detectable changes in kidney function through end-stage kidney disease, as well as patients with high blood pressure, kidney stones, and other kidney-related problems. The Air Force nephrology clinic will merge with the Army nephrology clinic in the dialysis unit at SAMMC on the 3rd floor in the outpatient clinical wing. The new clinic area, which is anticipated to be opening in March 2012, is adjacent to the SAMMC Dialysis Unit. The nephrology clinic hours of operation at SAMMC will be 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and the phone number will be 916-1455. The existing Wilford Hall Nephrology Clinic phone number will continue to be in operation for 30 days after the move, with a voicemail giving instructions on how patients can reach the new clinic at SAMMC, in case they have problems. Some services will still be provided at Wilford Hall after the main clinic moves. The Anemia Management Clinic, which is part of Nephrology, will move to SAMMC after construction of the new area is complete. "We are excited about the move and are dedicated to continue providing the same high-quality, patient-centered care our patients have come to expect and deserve," said McDowell, who is nephrology consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General. Nephrology clinic patients are encouraged to verify the location when making appointments.