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VLER Health is a program that shares certain parts of your health care record among the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and selected private healthcare providers over a secure network known as the Nationwide Health Information Network (NwHIN).

How VLER Health Benefits You
The majority of Veterans receive a portion of their care from non-VA health care providers.  Sharing certain parts of your electronic health record will help reduce the need for patients and families to carry records between health care providers.  It will also allow your private health care provider to make informed decisions about your care.

Providers can see a list of your health problems, allergies, medications, vital signs, immunizations, and some laboratory test results.  While we cannot share your entire health record, more information will be shared as the program grows, including doctor’s notes, discharge summaries, etc.

Who can participate?
In the current phase of the program, only Veterans who receive care at one of the pilot VA medical centers and health care systems can provide their authorization to participate.  It is anticipated that this will be expanded nationwide in the future. The pilot communities are:

Participating VA Medical Centers

How do I join?

Participation is voluntary and free.  If you receive care at one of the above pilot communities, you may:

1. Visit the Release of Information Office at your VA medical center or health care system and fill out an authorization form.   Or, download and complete the authorization form (vha-10-0485), then take it to your local facility’s Release of Information Office.
2.  Sign up electronically if you are an eBenefits Premium Account Holder by following the link below:

Why do I have to sign a release of information form?
Although health care information is already being shared between VA and DoD, your authorization allows VA to share your health care information with private selected health care providers.

If I enroll in this program can I choose to share only certain parts of my health information?
No, not at this time.

What if I change my mind about joining after I have signed an authorization form?
If you change your mind, visit your local VA health care facility’s Release of Information Office to request a form to stop sharing your health information.  Or, download and complete the Revocation Form (vha-10-0484-fill) and mail or take it to your local facility’s Release of Information Office.

Is the information secure?
Yes. The information is sent securely through the Internet using the Nationwide Health Information Network.

What is the difference between VLER Health and My HealtheVet?
VLER Health allows VA health care providers to share medical information with DoD and selected private health care providers.  My HealtheVet will allow Veterans to create a personal health record for their own use.

How often do I have to update my permission to share my health information?
At this time, your signed authorization form is good for 5 years.

What if I decide not to join?
Participation is entirely voluntary.  If you decide not to join, we will not share your health information with your private health care provider.  This will not affect your benefits or your relationship with your doctor or the VA Healthcare System.