VA Ahead of Curve in Health IT
The Department of Veterans Affairs has recently been under tremendous fire from the media: demands for the closure of the Walter Reed facility and difficulties accessing care among veterans fighting a war that already has the country in an uproar.
But a closer look at the workflow and administrative infrastructure reveals a system other large hospitals might find enviable. The VA healthcare system is virtually paperless; a particularly impressive feat considering that the VA is the largest healthcare network nationally by far. In fact, the VA implemented an electronic medical records system in 1999. This includes over 1200 facilities and more than 5 million patients. The system is called VistA (the Veterans Information Systems and Technology Architecture).
The system at the VA links records for both in and outpatient care, as well as laboratory and radiology studies and medication information. The prescription management system includes a capability to warn physicians about potential drug interactions. It also reminds clinicians about preventive and monitoring studies due to be completed.
A new feature being added to the system will allow patients to include their own medical information, such as over the counter medications being taken. The Washington Post offers additional details.
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April 17, 2007 Related topics: General Management & Administration, Trends