October 4, 2002

RE: DESCRIPTION OF WRIISC REFERRAL TEMPLATE

Dear VISN Directors and Registry Coordinators:

In May 2001, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi approved two new War-Related Illness and Injury Study Centers - WRIISC (pronounced “risk”). These new centers are located at the Washington, DC, and East Orange, NJ, VA Medical Centers (VAMC). Veterans may be referred by their VA physician to a WRIISC center for clinical evaluation.

Prior to accepting referrals to the WRIISC evaluation program, primary care physicians need to complete the electronic WRIISC CPRS template. In the past, paper referrals were problematic as they become lost or were illegible. We believe this electronic point and click CPRS template will make it easier for the referring physician. Additionally, the WRIISC referral template will become a permanent part of the CPRS medical record. The WRIISC program is asking VISN directors and registry coordinators to assist with getting this template activated within their local CPRS systems. This WRIISC template will need to be imported onto local CPRS systems throughout the national VAMC system. An email attachment of the “TXML” file is available for importation to IRM personnel at local VAMC. The local IRM personnel and ADP coordinators will need to import this “TXML” file into their respective CPRS systems and activate the WRIISC CPRS note. For any questions or concerns, please contact us at (800) 722-8340.