Heather McMillan’s Post

Charting the Course for Military Healthcare Transformation: MHS Convenes Second Digital Health Summit

This Veterans Day, we honor those who served and thank them for trusting health centers with their care. Veterans also make up an important part of the healthcare workforce. Explore our webinar focused on retaining and recruiting Veterans in healthcare: https://bit.ly/49yKGlM #VeteransDay #VeteransDay2024

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is pursuing a major transformation of its military health system (MHS), seeking commercial solutions to develop a new care model. The Defense Innovation Unit's solicitation notice highlighted that the MHS's current operating model is unsustainable for maintaining medical force readiness and requires a new, technology-enabled framework. The planned approach focuses on enhancing patient experience, integrating provider-supporting technology in the health ecosystem, and improving data management. Key to this initiative is a "digital front door" offering self-scheduling, provider search, and secure communication, as well as reducing administrative burdens on healthcare providers. According to DHA, the goal is to make the MHS more patient-centered and efficient, matching or exceeding civilian healthcare standards. This effort follows a Department of Defense memo emphasizing the need to reattract patients, improve access, and maintain military clinical readiness, while addressing concerns over the potential downsizing or outsourcing of care to the private sector. #defensehealthagency #militaryhealthsystem #defenseinnovationunit #patientexperience #digitalhealth #datamanagement #healthcaretransformation #militaryreadiness #commercialtechnology #patientcenteredcare Source- https://lnkd.in/g93MPyah

In a new blog, Stephen Heard explains how GP practices can support veterans and their families in ensuring they are and remain safe after transiting from the services into civilian life.    He lists a number of services that veterans (anyone who has served at least one day in HM Forces) can be signposted to as part of their civilian care. Stephen emphasises that many veterans are vulnerable on transition and access to these programmes preferably via a veteran friendly GP practice can be critical to their safety. https://lnkd.in/eKFQVeyy STEPHEN HEARD #pslhub #patientsafety #gp #primarycare #veterans

Important updates regarding Tricare East and Triwest (2025). As of January 1, 2025, there will be significant changes to the TRICARE regional contracts: TriWest Healthcare Alliance will replace Health Net Federal Services as the TRICARE West Region contractor. Six states—Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin—will transition from the East Region to the West Region. If the Pt resides in one of these six states, their TRICARE coverage will now be managed by TriWest. Humana Military will continue to serve as the contractor for the remaining East Region states. These changes aim to enhance the delivery, quality, and cost-effectiveness of TRICARE health care services.

DISCOVER MHS PHARMACY OPTIMIZATION: ZERO COPAYS & MAIL ORDER BENEFITS 🎙️ Dive into the world of Military Health System savings and convenience in our latest episode featuring Navy CAPT Ed Norton. We explore the incredible benefits of military treatment facilities and the TRICARE mail-order pharmacy, revealing how service members and their families can enjoy zero copays and cost-effective prescriptions. Learn how these choices benefit not just individuals but also taxpayers and the broader economy. Don't miss these valuable insights that could transform your military healthcare experience! The episode featuring Ed Norton is now available on YouTube and will launch on all major podcast platforms on 20 DEC 24.  Don’t miss this one! Defense Health Agency Express Scripts by Evernorth

East/West TRICARE Providers: Sharing a few updates to keep on your radar through the rest of this year as you prepare for the upcoming changes in 2025: 1) In case you are not yet aware, HealthNet lost the lawsuit against the DHA over maintaining their contract in the West. (https://lnkd.in/ds7uP7AM) 2) Make sure you are aware of how the change in MCOs (HealthNet will be replaced by TriWest in 2025) may affect you. See provided link for details on necessary preparations for contracting and credentialing. (https://lnkd.in/dhxi7WTU) 3) There will be 6 states moving from the East to the West region. This will impact 1.5 million beneficiaries. The states moving are: Arkansas Illinois Louisiana Oklahoma Texas Wisconsin There are many providers and groups working together to advocate for improvements on behalf of families and providers. In the meantime, please make sure you evaluate how these changes may affect you and your organization.

Patient First, Always! Exploring The Exceptional Patient Experience In Indian Armed Forces Healthcare In the realm of healthcare, every individual deserves to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect, regardless of their occupation or background. This fundamental principle holds true for members of the armed forces as well, who sacrifice their own well-being to protect the nation. Whether the unique circumstances of being a soldier affect how they are cared for within the military healthcare system and how their patient experience is shaped amidst the rigors of their service is a bubble to explore. The healthcare system of the Indian Armed Forces stands as a bastion of care and support for the guardians of the nation. As warriors don their uniforms and dedicate their lives to safeguarding the nation, a robust and comprehensive healthcare infrastructure ensures that they receive the best possible medical attention. This vital system extends not only to active-duty personnel but also to their families and veterans who have served the nation. The Indian Armed Forces healthcare landscape comprises a network of facilities, specialized medical services, research endeavors, and technological advancements, all meticulously designed to prioritize health and well-being. Inside View of Indian Armed Forces Healthcare To get an inside view into this multifaceted healthcare ecosystem, that underpin the healthcare services for those who serve and have served the country UserEx Consulting proudly collaborated with an Indian Armed Forces Veteran Col (Dr) Surendra Ramamurthy (Retd).

The biggest expansion of VA Care in generations STARTS tomorrow, Tuesday, MARCH 5, 2024! ALL VETERANS exposed to toxins/hazards/chemicals during the periods of service listed below are eligible to enroll in VA MEDICAL CARE by reporting to the VA on or after 03.05.24. Do not need to be sick or file a claim for benefits! Only show participation in activities that could have resulted in exposure to toxins or chemicals: lead, pesticides, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, x-rays, AND proof of active service in one of the following: Certain SW Asia duty stations; Vietnam; First Gulf War; Iraq or Afghanistan; deployments supporting certain 9/11 ops; post-9/11 combat zones, and in support of GWT. Applies to those exposed to toxins/hazards while training or on active duty AT HOME or ABROAD, but never deployed. Upon announcing the Program on February 21, 2024, Secretary McDonough encouraged ALL veterans to file for benefits as soon as possible, even if they don't think they need care today because they may need it tomorrow or years from now. Veterans who enroll now will have access for life.   #veterans #vadisability #pva

Read this article from former U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin to learn how the flow of data between the VA, the DOD, and community care networks can improve health outcomes for U.S. veterans. https://lnkd.in/eMsH2Evy