MHS Genesis "goes live" at 28th MDG

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Hannah Malone
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Medical Group atypically opened its doors on a Saturday, April 24, to launch and celebrate the new MHS Genesis electronic health record system at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

The MHS Genesis portal grants patients 24/7 access to their healthcare information. Through the system’s patient portal, members are able to schedule appointments, communicate directly with the healthcare teams, and request prescription refills.

“Successful patient-provider communication is a pillar to ensuring quality and trusted care,” said Maj. Ryan McCrae, the 28th MDG administrator. “Our healthcare teams highly value the interaction they have with patients.”

The 28th MDG has been preparing for the transition for months, however, Col. Robert Corby, commander of the 28th MDG, anticipates longer wait times and fewer available appointments while the medical staff are learning the ins-and-outs of the MHS Genesis system.

“It will take additional time and we want to make sure everything is in good order and working properly,” Corby said. “We’re asking for patience from our customers as our staff learn how to use the new system. Our patient’s safety is our highest priority, and if we need to go slower to make sure we get it right in the new system, that is exactly what we will do.”

The new system establishes a single health record for service members, veterans and their families. It also benefits healthcare providers by allowing for a more standardized workflow and an improved secure exchange of information.

“MHS Genesis provides a robust capability to integrate inpatient and outpatient solutions that will benefit home-station care, care in the deployed environment and en-route care for patient movement,” said McCrae. “MHS Genesis is built on a platform that increases efficiencies for beneficiaries and healthcare professionals.”

With this launch, patients of the 28th MDG are being automatically migrated to the new MHS Genesis system. For more information on the electronic health record system, visit www.health.mil/MHSGenesis.