Electronic Health Records for Veterans

In this health video learn about the important work of health information pioneers and how programs such as electronic health records can help make healthcare both safer and more efficient for veterans.

Craig Carpenter: I've just crossed Panama, Desert shield, Desert storm, Somalia and Haiti. Female Speaker: Former Army Sergeant Craig Carpenter served the United States as a medic, ensuring the safety of troops on three continents. These days, he's out of the army, but still lending a hand to fellow veterans as a volunteer at the Washington D.C VA Medical Center. Craig Carpenter: 190, Ms. Saunders? Female Speaker: Craig receives care at the VA for multiple sclerosis. He is also dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder from his time in the military as well as diabetes. He uses a web-based medical record known as MyHealtheVet to help keep his medication information organized. Craig Carpenter: I'm using the MyHealtheVet, I have that information dosage, levels and the frequency all the information is right there as well as some of the possible side effects that you may have when taking that medication. So it's very, very good and it's very detailed. Female Speaker: The Department of Veterans Affairs operates one of the largest medical organizations in the United States and uses a computerized system that allows its patients and their healthcare providers access to and from any VA medical facility in the world. This was particularly helpful during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Don E. Detmer: The VA at their records in this electronic system. So, when they are patients, usually veterans -- if they went to Houston, if they went to move by a mobile or wherever they went. They actually could track and find their medical record as well as their medication. So we have also proven that in a disaster this is extremely helpful too. Female Speaker: Craig uses a feature on MyHealtheVet and other systems that allow him to record daily health measurements such as blood sugar, and to send messages to his healthcare team. When his levels are out of normal range, the medical staff is altered and can get in touch with Craig to offer further assistance. Craig Carpenter: My blood sugar went well below 50 and you know - think coherently they were able to say, okay hey we need to do this and we do that. Female Speaker: By using his electronic record to stay in touch with his medical team, Craig got the help he needed. Patients can ask their own healthcare providers if electronic medical records are available.