The landscape of military health care is undergoing a significant transformation as the Defense Health Agency (DHA) rolls out a new digital health care platform named “My Military Health.”
Aimed at revolutionizing the traditional patient care model, this digital tool is set to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of medical services for military personnel and their families.
Currently, patients at five military hospitals are transitioning to this innovative platform, which promises to offer “easier, faster, and more convenient access to care and health information.”
These hospitals, referred to as venture sites, include Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Moore, Georgia; Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Florida; Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia; 96th Medical Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and 88th Medical Group at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Col. Dale Harrell, the 88th Medical Group commander, emphasized the broad spectrum of options the platform provides, from appointment scheduling to lab work, pharmacy services, and the choice between virtual or in-person care.
The Wright-Patterson patients, in particular, can anticipate new features like appointment reminders, virtual waiting rooms, scheduled and on-demand online visits.
“My Military Health” isn’t intended to replace the MHS Genesis system but to complement it, especially in light of a Government Accountability Office report that flagged user dissatisfaction with Genesis.
Unlike a mobile application, “My Military Health” is optimized for mobile phones but operates as a comprehensive web-based platform, which includes the SilverCloud online self-help wellness platform.
Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, director of the DHA, described the platform as a step forward in moving “beyond traditional models of care that rely primarily on in-person visits.”
With cutting-edge technologies at its core, “My Military Health” encompasses self-guided care, real-time and flexible virtual care, and enhanced direct patient care.
Crosland’s goal is to transition from volume-focused metrics to value-focused delivery of care.
“My Military Health” symbolizes a future where technology assists rather than burdens both patients and providers.
DHA’s partnership with industry aims to adapt to current technology and prioritize virtual care. Crosland’s vision encapsulates a seamless, patient-first approach that minimizes obstacles and embraces digital innovation.
The digital overhaul of military health care is an ongoing process, and while “My Military Health” is still in its nascent stages, it is poised to create a new era of patient care.
Crosland summed up the DHA’s ambition by stating, “We’re not going to be perfect, but we’re going to get better. And then we’re going to keep getting better.”
Relevant articles:
– Patients at Handful of Military Hospitals Now Using New Phone App to Get Care, Military.com
– New App to Let Patients at 5 Military Hospitals Get Access to Health Care Through Their Phones, Military.com
– Defense Health Agency Launches New Digital Health Care Tools at 5 Military Hospitals, DVIDS
– Brooke Army Medical Center and Womack’s Access to Care Apps Serve as Resource Guides for Military Medical Care, Health.mil