A new era of military healthcare

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Nicole Langley
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As part of a world-wide Department of Defense project, the 436th Medical Group is implementing a new electronic medical record system called the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application, or AHLTA, beginning July 10, which is designed to replace current paper-based records with a permanent, computer-based patient record accessible to authorized providers and staff throughout the DoD's Military Health System.

The new system is an all-encompassing medical record, and it will include medical - outpatient, inpatient, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy and dental records, said Capt. George Delaney, Jr., 436th Medical Support Squadron Resource Management Flight director.

The system will be implemented in blocks, adding enhancements and new capabilities at each implementation stage, Captain Delaney further explained.

While patients here do not need to take any action to have their records transferred to the new electronic system, the 436th Medical Group wants to notify the Dover Air Force Base community that new computer terminals will be located in providers' offices or exam rooms and patients may notice an increase in their appointment times.

"Initially, as your provider and the (military treatment facility) staff become familiar with this new technology, you may experience a slight increase in the length of your appointments as your health encounter information is documented in AHLTA," said Captain Delaney. "As the MTF staff becomes experienced with this new clinical information system, you will see a return to the normal process if not faster."

With new advancements such as AHLTA in the military healthcare system, changes are inevitable but necessary, according to the captain.

"The 436th Medical Group, as part of the Department of Defense Military Health System, is committed to improving the delivery of healthcare services to you," said Captain Delaney

AHLTA gives healthcare providers access to data about beneficiaries' conditions, prescriptions, diagnostic tests and additional information essential to providing quality care.

The electronic records system leverages advanced technology to its fullest potential, ensuring healthcare providers have instant access to invaluable medical information about their patients.

"This is not just an electronic health record that's built around one hospital, or even a local community of hospitals. It moves information globally," said Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.

For more information about AHLTA, visit the AHLTA website at http://www.ha.osd.mil/AHLTA/.