(From left to right) Maj. Walter Glasco, deputy commander for administration; Col. Evelyn Vento, deputy commander for clinical services; Col. Matthew Mapes, commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Joey Mendez, Soldier Recovery Unit senior enlisted leader; and Maj. Betty Moore, deputy commander for nursing, all with the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Fort Drum, N.Y., hold onto a ceremonial ribbon following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Guthrie Army Medical Home. (Credit: Paul Walter, U.S. Army MEDDAC executive officer)

Revenue Cycle

As is the case with any new technology adoption, it will take time for clinic staff to learn how to efficiently navigate this new system. This deployment will cause longer than routine wait times, lengthier patient consultation times, longer pharmacy wait times, and a reduction in available daily appointments.

“There are going to be challenges when implementing any system of this size and scope,” said Navy Capt. Shelley Perkins, director of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia. “Fortunately, we’ve seen positive outcomes in the other markets where it’s been deployed, and we’re committed to resolving any issues patients or providers identify.”

The Military Health System recently launched new and enhanced business tools as part of the full suite of capabilities in MHS GENESIS. These new tools integrate clinical and business capabilities to provide a seamless patient experience.

The information pulled from Revenue Cycle will allow healthcare teams to better serve beneficiaries, shape hospital or clinic services to meet future needs, and help prevent any unexpected bills.

“The full suite of revenue cycle capabilities are key components advancing the Military Health System’s overall ability to manage resources and financially plan for future health care needs of our patients,” stated Farah Sarshar, MHS GENESIS business functional champion.

“Since the initial rollout of new and enhanced revenue cycle capabilities in April 2022, we have continued to improve the way we manage the business of health care to ensure the delivery of quality patient care is supported,” added Sarshar. “It is also important to highlight that revenue cycle capabilities impact the patient health care experience as well, enabling better collaboration and communication between patients and their health care provider team.”

Future Deployments

While Waves DRUM and PORTSMOUTH are the first MHS GENESIS deployments in 2023, they won’t be the last. Seven more waves are planned for the rest of the year completing a five-year operational deployment plan.  

“I’m incredibly proud and grateful for each of our MTF leaders for ensuring their teams were well prepared for the transition,” concluded West. “Additionally, I can’t brag enough about our MTF staff for their dedication to making this program a huge success, and continually providing on-the-ground insights on how we can make MHS GENESIS even better.”