MacDill Clinic transitioning to the MHS GENESIS system Sept. 24

  • Published
  • 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

The 6th Medical Group will begin transitioning to Military Health System GENESIS, the Department of Defense's new electronic health record system, on Sept. 24.

Patients can expect to see an increase in wait times and a reduction in available appointments for the next several weeks as healthcare teams adapt their office and clinic practices to new, standardized workflows.

MHS GENESIS is the new electronic health record system used in military hospitals and clinics worldwide.

The MHS GENESIS system is the centerpiece of a larger transformation to securely standardize, integrate and manage medical records across the DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The health record delivers data to healthcare teams wherever patients receive treatment, whether at a medical facility within the DoD, 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.

TIPS FOR PATIENTS USING THE MACDILL AND SABAL PARK CLINICS

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

- If in need of a primary care or specialty care appointment between now and Sept. 22, patients should make their appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays during the MHS GENESIS transition. This includes sports physicals.

- Update service member and dependent information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System information by visiting the nearest Military Personnel Flight.

- TRICARE Online will be degraded beginning Sept 16, and its secure message will stop operating on Sept. 21.

- Use the new MHS GENESIS Patient Portal at https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil/, starting Sept. 24, 2022.  

- The 6th Medical Group recommends first calling the appointment line at 813-827-CARE (2273) 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. Other than active duty service members, beneficiaries DO NOT need a referral to receive care at a TRICARE-authorized urgent care center.

- The Nurse Advice Line can triage and assist with obtaining appropriate care. The NAL can also create referrals for active duty members to utilize urgent centers. When seen off base, if possible, request a copy of paper records and bring them to your next appointment with your primary care manager or primary care provider. Call the NAL at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.

Pharmacy wait times will increase during this transition period. Beneficiaries should be sure to have prescription refills on hand or investigate using a TRICARE network retail pharmacy or the mail-order service. For more information on home delivery, visit https://www.tricare.mil/homedelivery.

The 6th Medical Group appreciates your patience while they transition to a system that will significantly improve and streamline patient care across the DoD.