VA, Kaiser Permanente to Share EHR Info

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Washington) and Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.) recently launched a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN.)

This pilot enables clinicians from VA and Kaiser Permanente to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient’s health using EHR information, including information about health issues, medications, and allergies, say the organizations.

Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the NHIN provides a technology “gateway” to support interoperability standards and a legal framework for the secure exchange of health information between treating physicians, when authorized by a patient. Clinicians from the participating organizations can electronically, securely, and privately share authorized patient data, ensuring around-the-clock access to critical health information.

Ultimately, says the organization, this program is planned to be made available to all Veterans and Service members.