How the Military Is Rewriting Telehealth

Leidos and Amwell expand Digital First, creating a secure, scalable model for modern military healthcare delivery.

12 Aug 2025

The US Military Health System is rolling out its most ambitious digital health upgrade yet. Its Digital First program, built with Leidos and powered by Amwell, is set to bring secure, large-scale telehealth to more than 9 million service members and their families.

The idea is simple but sweeping: make virtual care the front door to the system. Patients start online, move seamlessly to in-person visits when needed, and have their records updated in real time. No repeat questions, no delays, and no gaps between providers. With strict privacy and security safeguards, the program is tailored to the unique demands of military healthcare.

For Amwell, it is a chance to prove its technology can operate at a massive scale while meeting federal standards. For Leidos, it highlights the company's strength in running complex global networks. Analysts say the project could become a template for government and civilian health systems alike.

"The military is showing it is possible to deliver virtual care across vast networks without giving up security or quality," said one health technology analyst. "That will change how hospitals everywhere think about their digital infrastructure."

Not every feature survived the latest expansion. Behavioral health services and automated care tools were trimmed due to Department of Defense budget limits. Officials say those pieces may return in later phases.

Even with the narrowed scope, the shift is unmistakable. Telehealth is no longer a side option for military families. It is moving to the center of care delivery.

If Digital First scales as planned, the impact could ripple far beyond the armed forces. In a world where demand for faster, smarter healthcare keeps rising, the military's virtual-first model may point the way forward, from battlefield to bedside.