The head of the Defense Health Agency emphasized the importance of improving healthcare delivery to military patients and medical forces at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting. Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, a Wash100 awardee, said at the recent event that she has led efforts at the DHA to utilize the latest technologies to improve healthcare access and convenience.
“Over the last several years, I’ve had an opportunity as a senior leader to hear from many of you on our health care system and things we can do better,” the agency director shared. “There is a consistent message—we all deserve good care, and we all have an expectation to be met where we’re at.”
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Digital Transformation
One key action that the DHA has undertaken to improve healthcare delivery is the launch of My Military Health, which provides a suite of online applications and tools that aim to improve patient physical and emotional well-being. According to Crosland, the DHA has identified and begun rolling out My Military Health to five locations as part of My Military Health’s pilot testing.
The agency official revealed that each site has access to three My Military Health capabilities: SilverCloud, a behavioral health platform and a secure video tool for online medical appointments.
TRICARE Contract Implementation
Crosland also discussed the next-generation TRICARE, or T-5, contract that is set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The DHA director pointed out that the T-5 “has been 10 years in the making” and the agency has made changes to address previous challenges, such as frustration over provider directories.
The official revealed that T-5 will offer financial incentives to improve the accuracy of provider directories. Moreover, contractors will guide beneficiaries in navigating specialty care referrals.
Hear industry leaders and experts discuss the trends and innovations that are transforming the healthcare sector at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Healthcare Summit on Dec. 11.
