JOINT BASE CHARLESTON,S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston’s 628th Medical Group was one of the first military treatment facilities to transition to Defense Health Agency management Oct. 1, 2018.
The DHA has officially assumed administration and management responsibilities as a part of Military Health System reform mandated by Congress in the National Defense Authorization Acts of Fiscal Years 2017 and 2019.
“From a patient perspective, most of these changes should go unnoticed,” said Navy Vice-Adm. Raquel C. “Rocky” Bono, DHA director. “Patients can expect the same high quality, trusted care they have come to know at our military treatment facilities. Providers can expect to focus on practicing medicine and maintaining their preparedness in the event of crisis.”
The transition to DHA of more than 50 hospitals and 377 clinics currently administered by the armed services will be accomplished in phases by Sept. 30, 2021. DHA will be responsible for all facilities with respect to budgetary matters; information technology; health care administration and management; administrative policy and procedure; and military medical construction.
"It is exciting to be one of the first military treatment facilities making history as we transition to a more integrated, effective and efficient military healthcare system,” said Col. Brian Musselman, 628th MDG commander. “Over time, the transition to Defense Health Agency will drive better integration and standardization of care, which means patients should have a more consistent health care experience, no matter where they are."
The next phase of integration will be comprised of hospitals and clinics in the Eastern United States and should be complete by Oct.1, 2019. Subsequent phases include hospitals and clinics in the Western United States followed by overseas medical facilities.