The US Defense Health Agency (DHA) has awarded Amwell and Leidos a $180-million contract to supply a digital healthcare platform for warfighters.
The initiative will replace the US Department of Defense’s existing Military Health System (MHS) Video Connect, a solution providing hospital and clinical assistance to soldiers through live, secure video.
Under the contract, DHA will receive Amwell’s Converge, a proprietary hybrid platform offering digital, virtual, and automated tools for sustained care services.
The companies will also deliver integrated core telehealth, behavioral health support, and self-guided wellness solutions to help the agency deliver “better health outcomes” for care users and providers.
Meanwhile, Leidos will work on transition management and work processes for the new platform’s implementation.
Work for the contract will take place over 22 months. Converge’s roll-out will start at five initial sites.
Once delivered, the platform is expected to boost medical support and advice between healthcare providers and patients wherever they are.
Bolstering ‘Digital First’ Strategy
The contract aligns with DHA’s goals to employ Digital First, an effort to leverage advanced electronic capabilities for military and veteran healthcare needs.
“Digital First addresses DHA’s goal of better outcomes, new processes, innovation and increased standardization based on evidence,” Leidos Military & Veterans Health Solutions SVP Jason McCarthy explained.
Digital First will support the 9.6 million MHS community of active-duty servicemen, family members, retirees, and health professionals.
“With this agreement, we are pleased to offer our unique capabilities and help improve access to quality care for the MHS community of users,” Amwell CEO and Chairman Ido Schoenberg said.
“We are delighted that the demonstrated scalability, flexibility, and comprehensiveness of the Amwell Converge platform, as evaluated by DHA, uniquely qualifies Amwell to support the DHA’s Digital First strategies and readiness mission.”
“We are dedicated to supporting this program with the best that Amwell offers for many years to come.”