MHS GENESIS Goes Live at the 2 MDG on 19 March 2022!

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Delia Martinez
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MHS GENESIS is the Military Health System’s new electronic health record system being deployed to military hospitals and clinics around the world. The MHS GENESIS system is the centerpiece of a larger transformation to securely standardize, integrate and manage medical records across the Defense Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The health record delivers data to healthcare teams wherever patients receive treatment -- whether it’s at a medical facility within the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Coast Guard. This record will stay with service members from the time of their enlistment through veteran status.

 

PATIENT IMPACT

As the Barksdale 2d Medical Group transitions to MHS GENESIS, patients can expect to see an increase in wait times and a reduction in available appointments as healthcare teams adapt their office and clinic practices to new, standardized workflows. Based on industry averages, and the DOD’s experience, it takes roughly 90 days for healthcare teams to adjust to the new system and return to normal wait times.

 

PATIENT TIPS

Patients can take steps now to prepare for the MHS GENESIS implementation, to include:

Primary Care: If in need of a primary care appointment between March and April, patients should make their appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays during the MHS GENESIS transition.

Same-Day Care: The 2 MDG recommends first calling the appointment line at 318-456-6555, to check for open or re-opened appointments due to cancellations. If there is no availability, another option is to visit a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center for same-day, acute needs. Beneficiaries, other than Active Duty service members, DO NOT need a referral to receive care at a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center.

Call the Nurse Advice Line (NAL): The NAL can triage and assist with obtaining appropriate care. The NAL can also create referrals for Active Duty members to utilize Urgent Care centers. When seen off base, if at all possible, request a copy of paper records and bring them to your next appointment with your doctor. Call the NAL at 800-874-2273, Option 1.

Pharmacy: Beneficiaries should be sure to have prescription refills on hand or look into using a TRICARE network retail pharmacy or the mail-order service. For more information on home delivery, visit https://www.tricare.mil/homedelivery.

New TRICARE pharmacy co-pays are effective Jan. 1 and are as follows:

• Co-pays for a 90-day supply through home delivery: $12 for generics, $34 for a brand name, and $68 for non-formulary medications.

• Co-pays for a 30-day supply at a Tricare network retail pharmacy: $14 for generics, $38 for a brand name, and $68 for non-formulary medications.

• Active duty do not have co-pays when using home delivery or retail pharmacies for covered medications.

Lab: Patients may experience longer wait times while staff adjusts to the new processes.

Radiology: Patients should make sure to get their routine radiology appointments taken care of early to avoid extended wait times. Patients who get their care off base can make an appointment at any TRICARE-authorized network service to avoid a delay.

Immunizations: The immunization clinic will move from a walk-in schedule to an appointment only schedule for all immunizations. Appointments will be booked through the Appointment Line (318-456-6555, option 1). Patients should also be aware of the possible longer wait times in Louisiana School Forms.

 

MHS GENESIS PATIENT PORTAL

The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal will replace TRICARE Online after the records transfer on 19 Mar 22 using the same DS Logon access, https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/. Patients can also access their online health records by using a Common Access Card or DFAS account credentials. The Portal will provide 24/7 secure access to personal health information, including lab results, prescription refills, secure messages with care teams, and more. While patients will be able to view their health information, they will not have the ability to make appointments through the GENESIS Portal at this time.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to register for access to the new Patient Portal if they have not used DS Logon previously. Visit https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil.

 

 

The 2 MDG asks for your support, patience and understanding as the team members work to implement the new system to improve your healthcare.