The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a new pilot in the Indianapolis region that will improve the delivery of Veterans health information. The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis will partner with the Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE), the largest health information exchange organization in the United States, to securely exchange electronic health record (EHR) information using the Nationwide Health Information Network.
"This pilot is one more step taken to deliver a Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record for our Nation's Veterans and Servicemembers," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "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."
VA will invite Veterans who receive health care from VA and from selected hospitals and providers in the Indianapolis area to sign up for the pilot, with the understanding that their information will not be shared without their authorization. Veterans who participate will enable their public and private sector health care providers and doctors to share specific health information electronically, safely, securely and privately.
The pilot is planned to run through 2012 with the goal of advancing EHRs for VA and other community providers.