Computer-Based Patient Records: VA and DOD Have Made Progress, but Much Work Remains to Fully Share Medical Information
Abstract
In the past year, VA and DOD have begun to implement applications that exchange limited electronic medical information between the departments existing health information systems. These applications are (1) Bidirectional Health Information Exchange, a project to achieve the two-way exchange of health information on patients who receive care from both VA and DOD, and(2) Laboratory Data Sharing Interface, an application used to electronically transfer laboratory work orders and results between the departments. The Bidirectional Health Information Exchange application has been implemented at five sites, at which it is being used to rapidly exchange information such as pharmacy and allergy data. Also, the Laboratory Data Sharing Interface application has been implemented at six sites, at which it is being used for real-time entry of laboratory orders and retrieval of results. According to the departments, these systems enable lower costs and improved service to patients by saving time and avoiding errors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 28, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1152471
Entities
People
- Linda D. Koontz
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office