Preventive Care Enhances Veteran and Military Health Systems
United States, Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
The Veterans Health Administration emphasizes preventive healthcare, partnering with the Defense Health Agency to provide personalized, digital experiences for over 18.5 million beneficiaries, enhancing readiness and reducing costs.
Growing Demand and Digital Transformation
Recent data reveals a significant 18 percent surge in Military Health System medical encounters between 2022 and 2023 [1]. In response, the Defense Health Agency has implemented comprehensive digital healthcare solutions to serve its 9.6 million military beneficiaries worldwide [1]. This digital transformation includes the consolidation and standardization of healthcare IT solutions, ensuring seamless access to care, health records, and educational materials [1][3].
Personalized Care Approach
The military health system has adopted a nuanced approach to service delivery, recognizing that different demographics require varied healthcare engagement methods. As Kelley Harar, Vice President of Federal Health at Maximus, notes, ‘Younger generations may want to access services and information in digital formats while other generations are less accustomed to online services’ [1]. This personalized approach has proven more effective in creating sustained health behavior changes, directly supporting mission readiness [1].
Infrastructure and Implementation
The Military Health System currently operates with nearly 130,000 civilian and military personnel, supporting over 700 hospitals and clinics [3]. A cornerstone of this infrastructure is the implementation of Unified Electronic Health Records, accessible from every base hospital to field facilities, ensuring continuous care regardless of service personnel location [1]. The system’s comprehensive reach extends to approximately 9.5 million beneficiaries, making it one of America’s largest and most complex healthcare institutions [3].
Practical Applications in Force Protection
Recent implementations demonstrate the practical impact of preventive healthcare measures. For instance, the Forward Deployable Preventive Medicine Unit (FDPMU) has actively contributed to force protection through environmental health monitoring. Their recent work at Camp Lemonnier’s indoor shooting range has directly supported the readiness of 4,000 joint personnel [4]. These initiatives exemplify how preventive healthcare strategies directly contribute to maintaining operational readiness while protecting service members’ health.