In a pilot test of health record sharing based on the nationwide health information network (NHIN), the Veterans Affairs Department said it will begin to exchange clinical data with Indiana private healthcare providers who are treating military veterans and their families.
The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis will share veterans' health records (EHRs) electronically with private clinics who are members of the Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE), the large Indiana e-health hub, according to an Aug. 24 VA announcement.
IHIE and VA will exchange health records electronically using standards and services of the NHIN. IHIE is made up of Regenstrief Institute, a research and informatics organization at Indiana University, five hospital networks, insurers, local and state health departments, and thousands of physicians.
VA will invite veterans who receive health care from VA and from selected commercial hospitals and providers in the Indianapolis area to sign up for the pilot, which will run through 2012, according to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.
Veterans who participate in the pilot will allow the VA and private clinics to share specific health information electronically and securely. Sharing information will also reduce duplicate treatment and testing, he said.
Since more than half of veterans and active duty service members receive some portion of their health care outside of VA or Defense Department facilities, it is essential that federal agencies and commercial providers be able to exchange information to deliver the best care, he said.
The pilot is also another step in advancing the virtual lifetime electronic record (VLER) program. VLER is the Obama administration's effort to develop a single electronic record to manage all administrative and medical information of military service members and veterans from their induction through the remainder of their lives.
"This new technology allows safer, more secure, and private access to electronic health information, which, in turn, enhances our ability to continue providing Veterans with the quality care that they have earned," Shinseki said.
VA has VLER Community pilots in San Diego and Hampton Roads, Va., to test the exchange of patient records between, VA, DOD and private healthcare providers using the standards and services of the NHIN.
IHIE is also a member of the Indianapolis "Beacon" community, one of several localities which were awarded grants by the Office of the National Coordinator to model the advanced use of electronic health records and applications across working communities.
