Dear Veterans, caregivers and stakeholders,

Do you know what an electronic health record (EHR) is? An EHR is a technology used by health care providers to store and track patient data. It is a digital version of a patient’s chart and health record.

Did you know all VAs are modernizing their EHR? VAs are adopting the same EHR system as Department Of War and other federal agencies is a Veteran-centric approach that will support service members as they transition from military service. A shared system means that health information entered into a Veteran’s health record by a doctor, pharmacy, or lab can be accessed by providers and staff at other facilities when they need it.

There is no need to worry. VA is committed to guarding the privacy and security of Veteran information, and the Federal EHR is no exception. VA’s online patient portals are secure, and the department follows strict security policies and practices to protect personal health information. Only Veterans and their VA health care team will have access to this information.

VA complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the Privacy Act of 1974. Protecting Veteran health information is a top priority for VA, and Oracle Health.

VA is committed to providing our nation’s heroes with the best care.