WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the planned expansion of its Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to nine more medical facilities by 2026. This will bring the number of active sites to 13 that year, as part of a broader effort to deploy the system across all VA facilities by 2031. The initiative aims to enhance healthcare for veterans by improving data integration and streamlining operations.
Coordination with the Department of Defense
The Federal EHR system is built to simplify and unify medical record management between the VA and the Department of Defense (DOD). By reducing logistical hurdles, it allows for smooth data sharing across both agencies—supporting more coordinated, efficient care for millions of veterans and active-duty service members. The system is expected to enhance both access to medical records and the overall patient experience.
“America’s Veterans deserve a medical records system that works seamlessly across VA and DOD,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. He reaffirmed the VA’s commitment to patient safety, high-quality care, and strong customer service throughout the rollout.
Additional Sites and Implementation Timeline
This week’s announcement follows December 2024 news that four medical facilities in Michigan would be among the first to implement the Federal EHR system by 2026. The updated plan adds nine more sites to this rollout phase, with exact locations to be confirmed later in 2025 after further planning and coordination.
To support a smooth and effective rollout, the VA is working closely with its Electronic Health Record Modernization Office, regional and local VA medical leaders, clinicians, and Oracle Health—the technology provider behind the EHR system. This collaborative approach is focused on ensuring the implementation meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Targeted Implementation and Uniformity
The VA is using a market-based deployment strategy aimed at maximizing resources and staff expertise. This method supports scaling up implementation efforts while keeping a consistent pace of progress. Additionally, a standardized national framework for workflows, products, and technology integration is being developed. This uniform approach is expected to minimize variability, speed up deployments, and ensure seamless compatibility for future updates and system enhancements.
Advantages for Veterans and Healthcare Professionals
The Federal EHR system offers substantial benefits for both veterans and healthcare providers. For veterans, it consolidates fragmented medical data, ensuring seamless transitions between VA and DOD care. It also simplifies access to medical histories, enabling quicker and more informed treatment decisions.
For VA staff, the system cuts down on administrative redundancies, allowing medical professionals to dedicate more time to patient care. With data consolidated into a single integrated platform, clinicians can quickly access essential information, improving operational efficiency throughout VA facilities.
Future Outlook
This announcement seeks to harness technology to modernize healthcare for veterans. With full implementation planned by 2031, the Federal EHR initiative embodies a patient-focused approach to innovation, emphasizing improved outcomes and operational efficiency.
By centering veterans’ needs and collaborating closely with clinicians and vendors, the VA is making important strides toward building a healthcare system that honors its commitment to those who have served the nation.
