TRICARE Secure Messaging & MHS GENESIS Guide (2026)
*Notice: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and medical records access, visit TRICARE.mil.*
## Quick answer TRICARE Secure Messaging is a secure, HIPAA-compliant online portal that allows you to communicate directly with your military healthcare team without waiting on hold or making an appointment. Most beneficiaries use the **MHS GENESIS Patient Portal** to send messages, request prescription renewals, and view lab results from their PCM at a military hospital or clinic.
In detail
As of May 2026, the primary platform for secure messaging across the Military Health System (MHS) is the **MHS GENESIS Patient Portal**. This replaced older systems like TOL (TRICARE Online) and RelayHealth. This tool is specifically for those receiving care at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs).
### Key Features of Secure Messaging * **Direct Communication:** Send a message to your primary care manager (PCM) or specialty team for non-emergency questions. * **Prescription Renewals:** Request a renewal for an existing prescription (distinct from a "refill" which is handled by Express Scripts). * **Lab Results:** View most pathology and radiology results as soon as they are released by the provider. * **Appointment Management:** Schedule or cancel appointments at your MTF. * **Health Records:** Download your clinical notes, immunization records, and allergy lists.
### How to Access To use Secure Messaging, you must have a **DS Logon (Level 2)**, a Common Access Card (CAC), or a DFAS myPay login. You can access the portal at [https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil](https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil).
### East vs. West Regional Messaging While the MHS GENESIS portal covers care within military hospitals, those seeing civilian providers under TRICARE Prime or Select use different systems: * **East Region (Humana Military):** If you see a civilian network provider, you must use that provider's specific office portal (e.g., MyChart, FollowMyHealth). * **West Region (TriWest Healthcare Alliance):** Similar to the East, network providers use their own proprietary secure messaging systems.
### Response Times & Costs * **Cost:** There is **$0 copay** to use secure messaging. It is considered part of your standard benefit. * **Response Time:** Most military clinics aim to respond within **24 to 72 business hours**. * **Emergency Use:** Never use secure messaging for emergencies. If you are experiencing a life-threatening event or mental health crisis, call 911 or the Military Crisis Line (988).
Who this applies to
* **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** Mandatory for coordinating readiness care and communicating with MTF providers. * **TRICARE Prime Beneficiaries:** Primarily those enrolled at a Military Treatment Facility who need to coordinate referrals or renewals. * **TRICARE Select Beneficiaries:** Only applies if they are "space-available" users at an MTF; otherwise, they use their civilian provider's portal. * **Retirees and Family Members:** Used to manage chronic conditions and lab results without requiring an in-person office visit.
Common Scenarios
### Scenario 1: The Prescription Renewal John is a retiree in San Antonio (West Region) enrolled in TRICARE Select. He sees a specialist at Brooke Army Medical Center. He realizes his blood pressure medication has no refills left. Instead of calling the clinic, he logs into the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, sends a **Secure Message** to his doctor, and the renewal is sent to the MTF pharmacy within 48 hours. **Cost: $0.**
### Scenario 2: High-Resolution Lab Results Sarah, an active duty spouse in the East Region, had blood work done at an MTF on Tuesday. On Thursday, she receives an email notification that a "New Secure Message" or "New Result" is available. She logs in and views her cholesterol levels immediately, avoiding a $0 copay "results" appointment that would have taken two weeks to schedule.
### Scenario 3: Checking a Referral Status Mark is enrolled in TRICARE Prime. His PCM at the clinic told him he needed a physical therapy referral. Mark sends a secure message to the "Nursing Team" through the portal to ask if the referral was submitted to TriWest. The nurse replies with the referral number, allowing Mark to book his civilian PT appointment faster.
Related terms
* **MHS GENESIS:** The unified electronic health record system used by the Department of Defense. * **DS Logon:** A secure identity credential used to access various DoD and VA websites. * **PCM (Primary Care Manager):** The specific doctor or team responsible for your care and messaging. * **Express Scripts:** The TRICARE pharmacy contractor; used for refills, whereas Secure Messaging is used for *renewals*. * **T-5 Contract:** The latest regional contract (effective 2025) which transitioned the West Region to TriWest.
Sources
* **TRICARE.mil - MHS GENESIS:** https://www.tricare.mil/mhsgenesis * **Health.mil - Patient Portal Details:** https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Technology/MHS-GENESIS * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** https://www.triwest.com * **Humana Military (East Region):** https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/health-and-well-being/telehealth/secure-messaging