WASHINGTON – Harnessing the power of the Internet, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is improving its Web-based system for providing health care information to its patients.
Under the latest improvement to VA’s “My HealtheVet” Web site, veterans will be able to update personal information and record medical data such as prescriptions.
“VA is committed to making it as easy as possible for veterans to take care of themselves,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “Today, we are adding wellness reminders to this Web site. In the near future, we’ll be adding other helpful features.”
A new capability now added to the site allows veterans to record their personal information and medical data – including emergency contacts, health care providers and insurance, prescriptions, tests and allergies – in a private, secure Internet environment. Eventually, veterans will be able to receive their medical records from VA online.
Another new feature will be a “Learn About” tab, which will lead veterans to a variety of topics in health education.
“My HealtheVet will give veterans easy access to their health information at the same time it protects their privacy,” said Dr. Robert Kolodner, VA’s acting chief health information officer. “The new features will significantly expand the information veterans can record and share with anyone they choose – medical professionals, family members and others.”
Kolodner said My HealtheVet establishes a veteran-clinician partnership that will result in better-informed decision making and move veterans toward more proactive management of their health care.”
“The idea is to make it as easy as possible for veterans to take good care of themselves,” said Kolodner.
VA launched My HealtheVet on Veterans Day 2003. The site is located on the Internet at www.myhealth.va.gov.
# # #
###
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.
