Ensuring force readiness and beneficiary health through health promotion and preventive medicine in the Military Health System: A position paper

Abstract

The evolution of the Military Health System (MHS) from a traditional model to a system of managed care precipitated a fundamental shift in the design and delivery of health care. This paper will propose the elements of a health system that delivers health promotion and preventive medicine as a focal point, describe the transition of the MHS to a prevention model, and discuss the work that needs to be done to achieve an accountable, comprehensive prevention-oriented system. The MHS has the opportunity to emerge as a model health care delivery system.