The Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) is VA’s new EHR system that is being rolled out to all VA medical facilities as soon as 2031. This standardized system is used by VA’s doctors, nurses and frontline staff to provide care to Veterans. It securely and effectively shares information between VA, Department of Defense (DoD), other federal agencies, and participating community care providers. Getting the Federal EHR to all VA facilities faster is a Veteran-first priority set by VA Secretary Doug Collins and will benefit Veterans in several ways.
Easier transition from military to VA care
Veterans do not have to manage the transfer of their medical records when they separate from the military because the records are already in the new system. This means less hassle for Veterans and providers.
More time talking with providers about current concerns
Veterans spend more time talking with providers about current concerns and available treatments and less time repeating things like health history, allergies and medications. In fact, Veterans receiving care at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois, told VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence that their providers are now able to spend more time interacting with them during their appointments rather than looking at their medical records on a computer screen.
Less time undergoing repeat tests, imaging and exams
Veterans spend less time repeating procedures, imaging and exams. This is because results and reports from DoD and the community care providers are already in the system.
Improved prevention and innovative treatment options
As the Federal EHR system is deployed to more facilities, VA can analyze Veteran and service member data more easily. This means deeper insights into Veteran health issues—informing innovative treatments for all Veterans.
Consistent experience from one VA facility to another
If a Veteran is referred to another VA facility, it will operate the same and can quickly access all records, referrals and orders. Additionally, Veterans will only use one patient portal no matter which VA facility they go to.
To learn more about the Federal EHR, visit VA’s EHR Modernization website.
Topics in this story
More Stories
In the wake of a disaster, here are some resources available to Veterans and their families.
The votes are in and the winner of the 2025 Veterans Day Poster Contest is...
VA’s SQUARES technology for reducing Veteran homelessness is marking its 10th Anniversary by expanding to tackle Veteran suicide prevention.
It’s about fricken time! I have had 5 pulmonary exams, three the exact same at three different locations. It’s taken me 2 years to finally get a firm diagnosis of COPD but even then, absolutely NO CREDIT for my service in Desert Storm which caused my condition!