System modernization

Defense Health Agency Seeks Tech Transformation for Military Health System

The Defense Health Agency has announced its plan to modernize the Military Health System through a solicitation for commercial technology solutions.

According to a press release, the DHA describes the solution it is targeting as a “digital front door” that integrates seamlessly with current infrastructure, prioritizes data-driven insights and allows for rapid adaptation, Nextgov/FCW reported.

The agency said its modernization strategy will center around enhancing patient experience, integrating technology supported by health care providers and offering data management assistance.

The patient-centered approach also involves incorporating functionalities such as online appointment scheduling, provider search and secure messaging for beneficiaries of the MHS.

Peter Graves, DHA spokesperson, emphasized the agency’s commitment to streamlining administrative tasks for health care providers, allowing them to focus on delivering quality care.

The solicitation comes after a December 2023 Department of Defense memo highlighted the need to improve access to military hospitals and clinics and enhance MHS facilities’ capacity, and amid servicemembers’ concerns regarding the MHS’s recent focus on scaling down or transferring aspects of health care delivery to the private sector.