HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Medical officials encourage all patients to utilize the Military Health Systems Secure Messaging tool to virtually communicate with health care providers.
The messaging platform, owned by the Air Force Medical Service, allows patients to communicate directly with primary care teams safely and securely.
“During these uncertain times, it is becoming increasingly more important to communicate virtually,” said Mark Jenner, 66th Medical Squadron group practice manager and Secure Messaging administrator at Hanscom Air Force Base.
In an effort to keep patients and clinic staff members safe, the number of face-to-face appointments has been drastically reduced, and virtual appointments are being utilized to the fullest extent.
“The messaging tool is the fastest, most efficient way to communicate with providers,” said Jenner. “By sending a message, patients can get their needs met without having to come in for an appointment.”
With Secure Messaging, patients can ask questions and receive non-emergency health care advice, request appointments and referrals, renew prescriptions and request copies of lab and test results. The platform is accessible through any device or web browser.
Secure Messaging is available for all MHS patients who receive care at a military hospital or clinic, including dependents and retirees.
Patients can register for a Secure Messaging account at app.tolsecuremessaging.com. Once registered, personnel should select their clinic and respective primary care manager to be verified. Care teams monitor the platform daily, and patients should receive a response to messages within 24 hours.
Patients should contact their local clinics for more information on the Secure Messaging tool.