JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
A new electronic health record system officially went live Sept. 24, 2022, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
Military Health System Genesis is a streamlined, secure system being implemented DoD-wide.
MHS Genesis will provide TRICARE beneficiaries both 24/7 access to their patient portal and better continuity of care.
“Genesis will integrate all of the DoD, so every branch and system can talk to each other,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Heidi Engel, 628th Medical Group healthcare integrator.
While the goal is to provide more efficient care and medical service, patients will soon see the benefits beyond the walls of healthcare facilities.
“The biggest change patients will see is more instantaneous and better access to their health records,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Lauren Shuman, 628th MDG MHS Genesis project coordinator. “This new system allows patients to manage appointments online, access health records, request prescription refills, and exchange secure messages with their care team.”
The new system also communicates with civilian entities to connect health records, and provides better medical record management and access.
Another change patients can expect to see is the discontinuation of sick call. Patients in need of same-day care will still be seen and can make an appointment by either calling or going online and scheduling care through the patient portal.
“We ask that beneficiaries be patient as a large rollout like this one doesn’t happen without a few hiccups,” Shuman said. “During the rollout, patients can expect increased check-in, wait, call and hold times.”
To cut down on wait times, patients can create and access the new portal online, using the 628th MDG QR code or by going to their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/628thMedicalGroup.
“The clinic is adopting the system very well,” Engel said. “There are some growing pains involved, but all in all, we’ve been quite successful.”