As the Defense Health Agency and Department of Defense military medical treatment facilities (MTFs) continue their rollout of the new MHS GENESIS system across the globe, medical services, to include access to care and pharmacy, will be temporarily constrained.

Like all DOD MTFs, Aviano Air Base officials are communicating the rollout plan that is slated to begin on Sept. 23, with final implementation to take place over the next couple of months.

Consistent with what has been experienced at other DoD MTFs, the implementation of MHS GENESIS at Aviano Air Base will result in a temporary impact on access to care and other medical and pharmacy services.

According to senior military medical officials, available appointments will have limited capacity and will be focused on clinically acute medical conditions for their patient population.

They also emphasized that the impact of the reduced appointments will be felt by all beneficiary categories, to include the space available population, which includes Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) members, contractors, Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) employees, Army & Air Force Exchange Service employees, and other General Schedule civilians.

Brig. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, shared that he and his team are focused on ensuring all members of the Aviano community are well-informed.

“As our medical professionals’ transition to the new database, they will gain proficiency and efficiencies with an entirely new operating system,” said Clark. “While the priority is an increase in appointment availability as soon as possible, this will take some time. What will not decrease, is the love we have for our entire Aviano community. In the meantime, Aviano Air Base medical staff will continue to assist patients with finding local providers, if MTF care is limited.”

“The Aviano Air Base medical team is also ensuring there is a safe pharmacy interface,” said Col. Jeffrey Fewell, 31st Medical Group commander and MTF director. “We are working with Defense Health Agency headquarters personnel and our pharmacy experts to implement the correct pharmacy workflows within the electronic health record to ensure a safe interchange for prescriptions.”

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to implement MHS GENESIS here at Aviano Air Base,” added Fewell. “As with the rollout of any new major technical system, it can be frustrating for the providers and patient population. Within our resources and capabilities, we will continue to diligently provide quality healthcare to our beneficiaries and our space available population.”