673d Medical Group rolls out new records system Published Nov. 4, 2020 By Chris McCann 673d Medical Group JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- After delays caused by COVID-19, the Department of Defense has rolled out the Military Health System GENESIS, or MHS GENESIS - a new military health-records program which streamlines both military and the Department of Veterans Affairs records. MHS GENESIS is an integrative electronic health record that provides a location for the MHS to document all patient’s healthcare activities and care. The new system includes upgraded infrastructure, enhanced access to medical records for beneficiaries, and improved patient safety, with clinic workflows which minimize human error. The change provides a patient-centric system focusing on quality, safety, and patient outcomes, said Natalie Rancourt, 673d Medical Group site coordinator. “The system offers enhancements to help better manage chronic, complex, and time-sensitive health conditions,” Rancourt said. “It also includes automated, real-time clinical decision support for health care teams - and allows patients to communicate directly with providers.” Now that the MHS GENESIS system is live, TRICARE Online will no longer be available, Rancourt noted. This is likely to be the most patient-visible part of the switch. Instead, all users will be directed to https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil/. The site accepts DS and CAC logons, so patients can access their health care at any time. The central appointment line will not change, Rancourt noted. The Alaska rollout of MHS GENESIS began Oct. 31 at both Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. “The 673d MDG has invested over 70,000 hours into MHS GENESIS because we can see how this new system is going to positively benefit the population at JBER tremendously,” said Air Force Maj. Tim Anderson, the 673d MDG manager for the new program. “It integrates all services and the VA health care system. This means when patients enter and exit the service they will be able to keep one continuous health care record. Being a joint venture hospital here on JBER, MHS GENESIS helps bridge the gap from service members through veteran status.” For more information about the change, follow https://www.facebook.com/673MDG/.