The modernized health information exchange platform will allow DoD and VA providers access to EHR data for patients who are also seen by certain community providers or health systems.
The Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) program office, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) launched a bidirectional electronic health record (EHR) sharing capability last month. The modernized health information exchange platform will allow DoD and VA providers access to EHR data for patients who are also seen by certain community providers or health systems. Participating providers will now also have a single point of entry to request access to DoD and VA health data for their patients.
“The recent COVID-19 pandemic underlines the importance for clinicians on the front lines to quickly access a patient’s health record, regardless of where that patient previously received care,” said Dr. Neil Evans, interim director of the FEHRM program office. “As the DoD and VA implement a single, common record, the joint health information exchange and the associated expansion of community exchange partners is a critical step forward, delivering immediate value to all DoD and VA sites.”
The American Legion, through Resolution No. 83: Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record, has long endorsed and supported the VA in creating a lifetime electronic health records system.
The new EHR system being implemented by VA and DoD is part of efforts to transform healthcare delivery for servicemembers and veterans. This streamlined system will enable VA and DoD to better document care from the time the patient enters the military through the time they transition out of active service in a single, common health record.
- Veterans Healthcare