Electronic Health Record Modernization Program undergoes strategic review

Electronic Health Record Modernization Program undergoes strategic review

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is conducting a strategic review of its Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) system following Secretary Denis McDonough’s initial assessment of the program during his first month in office, as well as citing ongoing analysis of the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (Spokane, Wash.) Initial Operating Capability. The assessment period will not exceed 12 weeks, according to VA.

“A successful EHR deployment is essential in the delivery of lifetime, world-class health care for our veterans,” said McDonough. “After a rigorous review of our most recent deployment at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, it is apparent that a strategic review is necessary. VA remains committed to the Cerner Millennium solution, and we must get this right for veterans.”

McDonough credited the efforts of VA staff in their execution of the EHR deployment while faced with the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic.

“Our dedicated VA professionals continue to work feverishly on this effort even as we maneuver through the complexities and surges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

The strategic review will help identify areas that require additional productivity and clinical workflow optimization at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, as well as upcoming “go-live” sites. Additionally, VA will conduct further research into ways they can improve the patient portal experience, data syndication and revenue cycle improvements. The Columbus VA Medical Center is the next facility currently scheduled to implement EHR.

To learn more about VA’s transition to Electronic Health Records, visit ehrm.va.gov/resources/faqs.