New system will securely share health records with partner providers

Later this month, the Fort Drum Medical Department Activity will implement use of the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record Health Exchange, or VLER-H/E, Initiative. This program will allow the MEDDAC to securely share active-duty service members', their Family Members' and veterans' health care information electronically with federal and private-sector partners. VLER-H/E allows participating providers who have joined eHealth Exchange to safely and securely share health information. Sharing health information saves time during appointments, improves care and could save a patient's life. Through the eHealth Exchange, health care providers can share information such as prescribed medications, allergies, illnesses, laboratory and radiology results, and medical history and past procedures. To ensure the best care possible is provided, it is important that medical information is available to health care providers. Through VLER-H/E, providers have access to a more complete picture of a health record. When implemented, VLER-H/E will become a part of all TRICARE Prime enrollees' health care benefit along with active-duty Soldiers and retirees who receive care through Fort Drum MEDDAC. Family Members and retirees have the option of choosing not to participate in this program. To opt out of VLER-H/E, beneficiaries must visit the Primary Care Clinic at Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic and speak with their primary care manager during their next appointment. The PCM will discuss the benefits of sharing this information. If the beneficiary still wishes to opt out, he or she will obtain a signed opt-out form from the PCM and take it to the Patient Administration Division at Guthrie. Choosing to opt out is an option that all Family Members and retirees have, but it will prevent health care providers, on or off-post, from having immediate access to patients' health information -- even in the event of an emergency. Active-duty service members cannot opt out of this service. When a patient shares health information through the eHealth Exchange, health care providers have a more complete view of the patient's medical record and can help to make the best decisions in care. It also alleviates the need to carry around copies of health records. For more information, visit www.tricare.mil/vlerhealth or call the Patient Administration Division at 772-4030.