As the Department of Veteran Affairs goes through its EHR transition, the department plans to share patients' records with its network of physicians when patients seek care outside of the VA, according to Connecting Vets Radio.
If a patient does not want his or her records shared, they must opt out. The opt-out processing includes filling out and submitting a form. Previously, veterans had to provide a written statement that they approved of the VA sharing their medical records.
This effort to share patient data is part of the VA's Mission Act, which is designed to expand veterans' access to private physicians in the VA network.
To share patient records, the VA is using its own health information exchange.