Veterans Health Information Exchange (VHIE)

What is VHIE?

Veteran Health Information Exchange (VHIE) tools give health care providers a more complete view of electronic health information to help better inform treatment decisions. Through a secure gateway, called the Joint Health Information Exchange (joint HIE), VA, DoD, and other participating external providers can safely and securely send and receive VA Patient health information electronically.

What changed?

The VA MISSION Act of 2018 removed certain restrictions on electronic health information sharing, enabling VA to seamlessly and securely share VA Patient health information with participating external providers who are a part of a VA Patient's care team. The change took effect April 17, 2020. Previously, patients had to complete a form to opt in or elect to share their electronic health information via VA Exchange.

VA Patients do not need to take any action for VA to start coordinating their care to receive electronic health information. VA Patients (active duty excluded) may opt out of electronic health information sharing.

What kinds of health information can be shared with VA electronic health information exchange?

Currently, VA and participating providers can electronically share a variety of electronic health information including:

• Prescriptions and medications
• Allergies
• Illnesses
• Laboratory and radiology results
• Immunizations
• Procedures
• Clinical notes
• Other relevant medical information

I am a health care provider - how can I access VA health information to help me provide better care to my VA Patients?

There are three ways for external providers to participate in VHIE:

• VA Exchange
• VA Direct
• External Health Registries

Visit the Why Partner with VHIE page to learn more about how you or your organization can become a VHIE participating external partner to safely and securely share VA Patient health information.