This report originally appeared in the February 2010 issue of DOTmed Business News
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Kaiser Permanente have announced the launch of a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN). The new pilot program connects VA's VistA (Veterans Affairs Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture) and Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect, and enables clinicians from VA and Kaiser Permanente to obtain the comprehensive information optimally available in use of electronic health records such as health issues, medications and allergies.
"The Department of Veterans Affairs and the entire administration are encouraged by the opportunities that electronic health record interoperability provides for Veterans, Service Members and their dependents," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki in a VA press release. "We are proud to join in this effort with Kaiser Permanente and to achieve the benefits of health data exchange, including improved quality, patient safety and efficiency." The program is planned to eventually be made available to all Veterans and Service Members.
Participating clinicians/organizations can electronically, securely and privately share authorized patient data, which increases accuracy, efficiency and safety and helps to avoid redundant care and testing. More than half of America's Veterans and active duty Service Members receive some portion of their health care outside of VA or DOD facilities, the VA says. Therefore, interoperability between federal agencies and the private sector is vital. In this new capability, a patient's prior history data will be instantly available to guide treatment.
