If you are a patient who will be participating in the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) four-week interdisciplinary Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), here are a few things you need to know:

Before You Leave Home

• Complete your intake assessment form.
• Prior to your arrival, you will be provided with a point of contact (POC) who can answer any questions for you.
• Bring all medications (to include over-the-counter medications and supplements) with you to the NICoE on your first day. The NICoE staff will need to see them in their original containers.
• If you have a CPAP machine, glasses and/or hearing device(s), bring them with you.
• Weapons are not permitted (this also includes small pocket knives). If you have further questions, contact your POC.
• Masks are required at NICoE.

Lodging

• IOP patients stay in a NICoE-dedicated Fisher House on the Bethesda campus. The building was specially designed to support patients and their families throughout their stay.

Family Participation

• There is an IOP Family Program available during week four of treatment. In addition to participating in some individual appointments with you, family members are welcome to participate in a variety of education and therapy groups offered through the IOP Family Program.

Pets and Service Animals

• Pets aren't allowed on base. However, service animals with vaccine records and a service dog certification are permitted on base and in the Fisher House. They are subject to the WRNMMC instructions regarding animals on base.
• If you plan to bring your service animal, please contact your POC for further direction.

Attire

• Your POC will provide further details about attire during your time at the NICoE.  

Your Stay at the NICoE

• Upon arrival at the NICoE, the NICoE Corpsman on duty will provide you with your welcome packet. This packet will include your key, parking permit, and Fisher House location (unless other arrangements have been made).
• The first day is very robust. We recommend getting a good night's sleep the night before your arrival.
• Prepare to arrive early on your first day (approximately 0700, but exact time may vary).
• You will meet with your interdisciplinary treatment team on your first day, and undergo a multitude of evaluations during weeks one and two.
• You will be scheduled to have a sleep study on day one or two (unless otherwise directed).
• Throughout the remainder of your stay, you will meet with your interdisciplinary treatment team and participate in educational classes and groups with your cohort.
• On most days, you will be done around 1600 each day. However, this could change depending on the services you need.
• Each afternoon, you will receive your schedule for the following day.
• During week four, your family member(s) will be invited to participate in individual appointments with you, and a variety of educational and therapy groups offered through the IOP Family Program.
• On your last day at the NICoE, you will have a discharge meeting with your interdisciplinary treatment team and home station providers.