VA completes secure transfer of Veteran data ahead of new electronic health record launch

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it completed transferring patient data into its new electronic health record (EHR) solution in preparation for the system’s launch in the Pacific Northwest later this month.

The Oct. 1 migration includes clinical and demographic data for approximately 88,000 Veterans and equips VA health care providers with a longitudinal view of patient information when using the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) solution at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Spokane, Washington.

“Giving our VA clinicians quick, secure access to patient data means we are making progress to improve Veteran safety and health outcomes,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Moving and organizing the data ensures Veteran information is readily available for clinicians at Mann-Grandstaff as part of this historic modernization program.”

When the new EHR launches, VA clinicians and administrative staff at the facility will be able to easily access, verify and update patient information directly within the EHR itself, rather than using multiple systems. This information includes patient medications, allergies, immunizations, past medical procedures and ongoing health concerns, as well as demographic details, such as address, phone and emails.

With this information more accessible, VA health care providers will be able to view patient medical histories that will support clinical decision-making and improve Veteran health results.   

VA’s transfer of active patient data into the new EHR is the latest of several EHRM milestones. In August, VA launched its new patient appointment system, the Centralized Scheduling Solution (CSS), at sites in the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System. In April, VA and the Department of Defense launched a joint health information exchange, which allows providers in both departments to quickly and securely access data for patients seen by a participating community partner or health system.

This latest achievement moves VA closer to its goal of enabling a lifetime of seamless care for service members and Veterans. Following the implementation at Mann-Grandstaff, the EHRM program will continue over the next several years, rolling out the new software until it is in place nationwide at all VA facilities by 2028.

Learn more about VA’s EHRM program.