FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md.  –   The Fort Meade Medical Department Activity—which includes Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center and the Andrew Rader, Barquist, Dunham and Kirk Army Health Clinics—officially launched the Military Health System’s new electronic health record, MHS GENESIS, Mar. 25.

While each of the clinics that comprise the Meade MEDDAC celebrated differently, staff at Kimbrough marked the occasion by dancing their way into MHS GENESIS.

“We’re excited about finally launching MHS GENESIS,” said Col. James C. Maker, the Fort Meade MEDDAC commander and Kimbrough director. “Our staff here, and the multiple clinics that make up the Meade MEDDAC throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, have trained and worked tirelessly to ensure we’re ready for this transition.”

The deployment of MHS GENESIS at the Meade MEDDAC and other military treatment facilities within the National Capital Region Market marks the 17th and 18th launch iterations.

The launch follows months of preparation that included staff training of new processes and workflows, and the inventory and integration of new equipment.

“Our implementation team worked diligently and they’ve positioned us for a successful transition,” Maker said.

MHS GENESIS replaces legacy systems that when fully implemented provides integrated inpatient and outpatient medical and dental health records for service members, veterans and their families across the continuum of care. Additionally, MHS GENESIS also streamlines the care coordination between military, the Department of Veterans Affairs and community providers.

“The transition to MHS GENESIS provides beneficiaries with direct access to medical records and improved messaging with their care provider, empowering them in their personal health and well-being process,” said Brig. Gen. Norman S. West, USAF, Director of Staff, Defense Health Agency. “The Defense Health Agency’s transition to this new electronic health record not only improves the day-to-day care for our 9.6 million beneficiaries, but also further positions the DHA’s role as a combat support agency.”

As staff adjust to the new technology and workflows, patients can expect to see temporary interruptions in health care services.

“We anticipate that patients will see temporary delays in access to health care such as reduced appointment availability, longer wait times for pharmacy prescription pick up and longer wait times for results at lab and radiology,” Maker said.

“The NCR Market is excited about our new electronic health record platform and is committed to ensuring access to care for all of our beneficiaries. Our in-network partners are aware of the temporary reduction of available appointments during the launch and will assist us during this initial adjustment period,” said Rear Adm. Anne M. Swap, Director of the National Capital Region Market.

MHS GENESIS is the new electronic health record platform for the Military Health System. Once deployed worldwide at all military hospitals and clinics after the transition, beneficiaries will be able to access their health records from any military hospital or clinic from anywhere at any time.

For more information about MHS GENESIS please visit: health.mil/MHSGENESIS.