Shaw 20th Medical Group transitions to Military Health System GENESIS

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE - The 20th Medical Group will begin transitioning to Military Health System (MHS) GENESIS on Sept. 24. Patients can expect to see an increase in wait times and a reduction in available appointments for about 90 days 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. Fort Jackson announced its transition to MHS GENESIS earlier this month through The Sumter Item.

"MHS GENESIS is a monumental change to the Department of Defense electronic health record, which will allow service members to have a single record of care throughout their entire military career and, eventually, beyond their careers into the VA," said Col. Michell Archebelle, 20th Medical Group commander. "This is a major advancement that will effectively streamline members' health records and get rid of the days of hand-carrying hard copy records from base to base. We are confident this change will bring value to all of our beneficiaries."

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

Next steps for patients using the Shaw Clinic

TRICARE Online Patient Portal will be replaced with the new GENESIS Patient Portal on Sept. 24. Patients can access the new GENESIS Patient Portal at patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil/ starting that day.

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

- Create a DS LOGON account in order to access the GENESIS Patient Portal without a Common Access Card at the following website: idco-pki.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/myprofile-info.

- Update service member and dependent information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System by visiting idco-pki.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/myprofile-info or the nearest Military Personnel Flight.

- Pharmacy wait times will increase during this transition time period. Beneficiaries should be sure to have prescription refills on hand, look into using a TRICARE network retail pharmacy or look into signing up for TRICARE Home Delivery. For more information on home delivery, visit www.tricare.mil/homedelivery.

More information for Shaw Clinic patients

- TRICARE Online will be degraded beginning Sept. 16, and its Secure Messaging capability will stop operating Sept. 21. Beneficiaries can still call (803) 895-2273 to submit a message to their provider team with the exception of Sept. 23, when the 20th Medical Group appointment line is closed.

- The 20th Medical Group appointment line will be closed on Sept. 23. Beneficiaries can still call the NAL at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1, to receive nurse triage.

- If in need of a primary care or specialty care appointment, patients should book as soon as possible to avoid delays during the MHS GENESIS transition. This includes sports physicals.

- To book an appointment, the 20th Medical Group recommends first calling the appointment line at (803) 895-2273 to book an open appointment or re-opened appointment due to cancellation. 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 (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 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.

The 20th Medical Group appreciates your patience while they transition to a system that will significantly improve and streamline patient care across the Department of Defense.