VA To Enhance Patient Care

Indianapolis (August 24, 2010) - 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.

Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Nationwide
Health Information Network provides a technology "gateway" to support
interoperability standards and a legal framework for the secure exchange
of health information between treating physicians, when authorized by a
patient.  Clinicians from the participating organizations can share
authorized patient data electronically, securely, and privately,
ensuring around-the-clock access to critical health information.  This
immediate electronic access supports increased accuracy, efficiency, and
safety.  It also helps to avoid redundant care and testing.

Since more than half of America's Veterans and active duty
Servicemembers receive some portion of their health care outside of VA
or Department of Defense facilities, interoperability between federal
agencies and the private sector is essential to provide the best care
for Veterans, Servicemembers, and their dependents.

IHIE is made up of collaborative partnerships with Regenstrief
Institute, private hospitals, insurers, local and state health
departments, and other health care organizations that impact more than
60 hospitals providing care to more than 6 million patients.

A national effort is underway to promote the important use of EHRs.