Can retirees use MHS Genesis? A Guide for Former Military and Families

Over one million military retirees and their families are eligible to use MHS Genesis, the Military Health System’s modern electronic health record. Can retirees use MHS Genesis? Yes, they can, but accessing the system requires a specific process involving a DS Logon account to ensure the security of their personal health information. This guide will walk you through the steps to gain access and utilize its features effectively.

Quick Summary

Eligible military retirees and their families can access the MHS Genesis Patient Portal using a DS Logon account. The system replaces TRICARE Online and provides a secure, online platform to manage appointments, communicate with care teams, and view personal health records.

Key Points

• Access is granted via DS Logon: Military retirees must create and use a DS Logon Premium account to access the MHS Genesis Patient Portal.

• Replaces TRICARE Online: MHS Genesis and its patient portal have fully replaced the older TRICARE Online system for managing appointments and secure messaging.

• Features include appointment and prescription management: The portal allows retirees to schedule appointments, request prescription renewals, and view lab results online.

• Eligibility depends on DEERS: Retirees and their eligible family members must have their information kept current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to maintain access.

• Data is secure and integrated: MHS Genesis provides a secure, integrated electronic health record that protects personal health information and follows beneficiaries from enlistment to retirement.

• Technical support is available: Help desks are available for issues with both the DS Logon account and the MHS Genesis Patient Portal.

MHS Genesis Access for Military Retirees

Yes, military retirees and their eligible family members can and should use MHS Genesis to manage their healthcare. The system is the Military Health System's modern electronic health record (EHR) and patient portal, which has been deployed across military hospitals and clinics (MTFs) worldwide. For retirees, accessing the portal is done primarily through a DS Logon account, which serves as their secure gateway to the system. This login method is particularly important for those without a Common Access Card (CAC).

How to Create Your DS Logon Account

Creating a DS Logon account is the first and most critical step for a retiree to access MHS Genesis. The process involves verifying your identity through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) website. You can follow these steps to register for an account:

1. Visit the official DMDC website: Navigate to the DS Logon identity management page at https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/app/login.
2. Select "Create New Account": Choose this option to begin the registration process.
3. Choose your registration method: Retirees can select the "Email Registration" option, which is recommended for those with a valid DoD ID card and an email address in DEERS.
4. Complete identity verification: The system will guide you through a secure process to confirm your identity. This can include a knowledge-based quiz, uploading identity documents, or financial verification.
5. Upgrade to Premium Account: After creating your basic DS Logon, you must log in and upgrade to a “Premium Account” to view and interact with your health records.

Using the MHS Genesis Patient Portal as a Retiree

Once logged in with a premium DS Logon account, retirees can access a full suite of features within the MHS Genesis Patient Portal. The platform offers a centralized hub for managing all aspects of their Military Health System care.

Key functions include:

• Secure Messaging: Communicate directly and privately with your healthcare team to ask non-urgent questions.
• Appointment Management: Schedule, cancel, or reschedule medical and dental appointments at military treatment facilities.
• Prescription Management: Request renewals for prescriptions from your military pharmacy.
• Health Record Access: View and download personal health data, including clinical notes, laboratory results, and radiology reports.
• Pre-Visit Questionnaires: Complete intake and screening forms online before your appointments.

MHS Genesis vs. TRICARE Online: What Changed for Retirees

MHS Genesis is a significant modernization of the Military Health System, and its patient portal has fully replaced the legacy TRICARE Online (TOL) system. For retirees who used TOL in the past, this transition means a new interface and a more integrated, comprehensive health record.

Feature	MHS Genesis Patient Portal	TRICARE Online (TOL) Patient Portal
Electronic Health Record	Unified record that follows a service member from entry to retirement and beyond, including VA coordination.	Separate system; older health records may need manual retrieval or may be accessible via the Joint Legacy Viewer.
Appointment Scheduling	Schedule, view, and cancel appointments directly within the portal for MTFs.	Previously used for scheduling, but has been decommissioned.
Secure Messaging	Integrated messaging system for direct communication with care teams.	Old secure messages are no longer available in the new system. Retirees must use MHS Genesis for all new communications.
Prescription Refills	Request renewals and refills for most prescriptions from military pharmacies.	Managed through the older TOL system, now fully replaced.
Access Method	Primarily via a DS Logon account for retirees and dependents.	Also used DS Logon, but the interface and features have been fully transitioned to the new MHS Genesis portal.
Continuity of Care	Full integration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system for seamless record sharing.	Required coordination between separate systems for record transfer.

Important Considerations for Retirees

While MHS Genesis offers enhanced capabilities, retirees should be aware of a few key details to ensure a smooth transition and continuous access to care.

Staying Enrolled in DEERS

Your eligibility for MHS Genesis is tied to your enrollment in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). It is crucial to keep your information and your family's information current in DEERS to avoid any disruptions in your healthcare benefits. You can manage your information through the milConnect website or by visiting an ID card office.

Accessing Legacy Records

For some older medical records, especially those from before the MHS Genesis transition at your specific facility, you may need to go through additional steps. While the system aims for a single, comprehensive record, some legacy data may not have migrated automatically. If you need records from the previous TOL system or older paper charts, contact your military treatment facility directly for guidance.

Technical Support

If you encounter technical issues with your DS Logon or accessing the patient portal, help is available. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) Global Service Center can assist with portal-related issues, while the DMDC Customer Contact Center can help with DS Logon account problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Can retirees use MHS Genesis? Yes, and it has become the standard platform for accessing military healthcare services. By obtaining a premium DS Logon account and ensuring their DEERS information is up-to-date, retirees and their families can leverage the full range of features offered by the MHS Genesis Patient Portal. This modern system not only simplifies healthcare management through secure messaging and online appointment booking but also ensures a more cohesive health record that follows them throughout their retirement. Transitioning from the older TRICARE Online system may require a new learning curve, but the benefits of a streamlined, secure, and integrated platform are substantial for all military beneficiaries.

• TRICARE: Secure Patient Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Do retirees need a CAC to access MHS Genesis?

No, retirees and dependents typically do not use a Common Access Card (CAC) for MHS Genesis. Access is primarily gained through a DS Logon Premium account, which allows login from any internet-connected device.

How do I create a DS Logon account to access MHS Genesis?

To create a DS Logon account, visit the DMDC identity management website. Follow the on-screen instructions for creating a new account, which involves verifying your identity. Once established, you must upgrade your account to premium access to view your health records.

What information can retirees see on the MHS Genesis Patient Portal?

Using the MHS Genesis Patient Portal, retirees can view their health information, including lab and test results, clinical notes, and immunization records. They can also exchange secure messages with their care team and manage appointments.

What happens to my old TRICARE Online messages and data?

The MHS Genesis Patient Portal is a separate system from TRICARE Online. While your health records should transfer, messages from the old portal are not accessible in MHS Genesis. You must use the new system for all future secure communications.

Will my records follow me if I see a civilian provider under TRICARE?

The MHS Genesis record primarily integrates with military and VA facilities. When seeing a civilian provider, they may not have automatic access to your records. You can download and share your health data from the patient portal with non-military providers as needed.

What if my family members are also retirees?

Retired family members who are over 18 years old can create their own individual DS Logon Premium accounts to access their personal health information. For younger dependents, the sponsor must set up proxy access.

Where can I find help with MHS Genesis access or issues?

For issues with your DS Logon, contact the DMDC Customer Contact Center at 800-368-3665. For technical issues within the MHS Genesis Patient Portal, call the Defense Health Agency Global Service Center at 800-600-9332.