MHS Genesis, DoDMERB and Your US Service Academy Application

The new DMACS site allow more insight through the MHS Genesis system

Every candidate for the service academies and ROTC will encounter DoDMERB, the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, to complete their medical and eyesight evaluations. Qualifying through DoDMERB starts with their new website, called DMACS 2.0. The acronym, DMACS, stands for the Defense Medical Application and Communication System. It was launched in August 2025.

Historically, DoDMERB used two different websites to prepare and to schedule a candidate's medical and eye examinations. Now, DMACS accomplishes this set of tasks through the single website. What's more, DMACS provides an added capability that did not exist with the older DoDMERB system.

The new feature is the DMACS application's ability (as currently reported) to connect with the military's electronic health record system, MHS Genesis, to verify an applicant's medical history. 

MHS Genesis is the Department of Defense's (DOD) electronic health record system that provides a single, integrated record for all DOD beneficiaries, improving communication and patient engagement. Many of the benefits are focused on current military members and their familes. However, one of the features also directly impacts military officer candidates. That is, MHS Genesis possesses the ability to connect to various civilian health information exchanges, allowing DoDMERB to automatically pull medical data from hospitals, pharmacies, and specialist visits, enabling them to verify and validate information provided by applicants. In the past, DoDMERB depended upon all medical information to be reported directly by the applicants themselves. With the DMACS and Genesis applications, DoDMERB will no longer rely solely on self-reporting, as Genesis provides electronic verification of medical histories, diagnoses, prescriptions, and treatments through nationwide data networks. 

For service academy and ROTC candidates, this new capability is very impactful. DoDMERB requires applicants to sign a medical records release in DMACS, granting them access to MHS Genesis. In turn, MHS Genesis automatically compiles medical data from connected civilian networks, including hospitals, pharmacies (via SureScripts), and other health providers using systems like Care Everywhere, directly into a candidate's DoDMERB file. 

How does Genesis works? . . .

Once DoDMERB initiates the review, MHS Genesis automatically queries major civilian health networks through the Joint Health Information Exchange (JHIE). Genesis connects to nationwide networks, like CommonWell and Carequality, which are used by most major hospital systems. The system also collects pharmacy records through groups such as SureScripts, a network that compiles prescription data from most pharmacies in the U.S. This connection interface provides DoDMERB with a history of all medications prescribed to the applicant. And, finally, the data gathered from civilian sources is automatically compiled into the applicant's DoDMERB file.

This information includes:

• Hospital visits

• Specialist referrals

• Prescriptions

• Diagnoses

• Surgeries

• Emergency room visits 

What does automatic data retrieval means for applicants? . . .

This automated retrieval of medical data has significant consequences for military officer applicants.

• Increased transparency: DoDMERB no longer relies on an applicant's self-reported history alone making full and honest disclosures of medical conditions more critical than ever.

• Verification of history: Conditions, treatments, or prescriptions not disclosed by the applicant can now be flagged by DoDMERB when they are detected in the electronic record.

• Greater risk of disqualification for nondisclosure: Failing to report a medical issue that appears in the Genesis data can be seen as an integrity violation, potentially leading to disqualification.

• Potential to "opt-out": Under HIPAA rules, applicants can legally opt-out of some health information exchanges. However, doing so is complex, can be time-consuming, and carries the risk that a disqualifying condition could be discovered later, potentially leading to disenrollment or discharge. 

My advice is to be accurate and transparent with your medical history. Preparing now by collecting a literal 'lifetime' of medical information about yourself makes lots of sense. Work with your parents, physicians and pharmacies to record your details so you are ready to complete your medical history as well as accurately represent your current medical health. You may want to refer to my blog about medical waivers for more details.

The Defense Medical Application and Communication System, DMACS 2.0, adds the new capability of collecting a spectrum of medical data about candidates for the service academies and ROTC. Your honesty in providing all medical details will be an important aspect of your application. Honest mistakes will happen, but a pattern of missing information may keep you from earning an appointment or scholarship.

[ I would welcome a chance to discuss details with you. I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process -- including advice and coaching for the DoDMERB process. Contact me at chris@cbbrechin.com, 503.515.7406 or complete my contact form on the home page. ]