FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Have you ever left your doctor’s office and then realized you forgot to ask an important question? Or had a question about your medication that couldn’t wait for your next appointment?

If you get care at a military hospital or clinic, you don’t need to wait until your next appointment to ask these questions. That’s because the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal lets you speak to your military health care team at your military hospital or clinic through secure messaging. This makes managing your health care easier and more efficient.

“The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal gives you the opportunity to be a collaborative partner in your health care,” said U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. Minh Doan, solution owner of the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. “The secure messaging feature allows you to talk directly with your care team to get your questions answered.”

Read on to learn how to use secure messaging.

How secure messaging works

Functionally, secure messaging works similarly to other text-based messaging systems, with the added benefit of encryption. Only you and your military health care team can access these conversations.

Secure messaging doesn’t involve the exchange of traditional emails. But you’ll get an email whenever you get a new message.

When to use secure messaging

You can use this feature to:

• Ask health-related questions and get non-emergency health advice.
• Request referrals to specialists. (Certain health care services may require referrals, as described in the TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook.)
• Ask your doctor to renew your prescriptions when you’re out of refills.

Just like the scenarios mentioned earlier, secure messaging will help if you remember that question after your appointment or need to clarify instructions uploaded to the Clinical Notes section of your health record.

How to use secure messaging

It’s easy to use secure messaging. Just follow these steps.

1. Log in to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. You’ll need a Common Access Card (CAC), a DS Logon account, or Personal Identity Verification (PIV) to log in.

If you don’t have a DS Logon, click the “Create New Account” button on the log in page. Then follow the prompts to create your account. Do you need help creating or using your DS Logon? Click the “Need Support?” button to download answers to frequently asked questions.

2. After you click “Login,” you’ll be asked to verify your contact information and accept the conditions of using the patient portal. Then you’ll be redirected to the patient portal homepage.

3. Click the “Messaging” button on the menu located across the top of the page. This will bring you to your secure messaging inbox. You can also scroll to the “Messages” widget on the homepage.

4. Click the “Send a message” button to start your message.

5. Fill out the required fields. You also have the option to attach files.

6. Write your message.

7. Click the “Send” button.

You can watch this video tutorial for a full demonstration.

Additional portal features

The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal is more than just a messaging platform. It also allows you to:

• View and schedule appointments at your military hospital or clinic.
• Access your medical records, including lab and radiology results.
• View current medications and order refills.

The MHS GENESIS Patient Portal can help you streamline your health care management. By using secure messaging, you can ensure that your health care needs are met promptly and effectively. For more information, check out tricare.mil/PatientPortal.

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