The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to expand its electronic health record system, with plans to roll out the Oracle EHR at nine additional medical facilities next year. This move is part of the agency’s goal to complete the EHR deployment by 2031, after facing challenges and delays in the past.
The VA had previously announced that it would resume the EHR project, starting with four facilities in Michigan in 2026. The decision to add nine more facilities to the deployment schedule shows the agency’s commitment to moving forward with the project and improving healthcare services for veterans.
The selection of the new sites for the EHR rollout will be based on market considerations, allowing for more efficient deployment processes and the ability to conduct multiple rollouts simultaneously. The VA also plans to adopt a standardized base of products, workflows, and integrations to streamline deployments and simplify decision-making.
VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the importance of listening to healthcare professionals and vendor partners throughout the deployment process to ensure patient safety, quality of care, and customer service. The agency is dedicated to moving faster on this priority while addressing the feedback and needs of those involved in the project.
The EHR rollout has faced several challenges since the contract was awarded to Cerner, which was later acquired by Oracle, in 2018. Only six medical centers have gone live with the new EHR system, with issues related to patient safety risks and technical problems causing frustration among providers.
Cost projections for the EHR project vary significantly, with estimates ranging from $16 billion to nearly $50 billion. The project was put on hold in April 2023 to address system performance issues and make necessary improvements. Despite the challenges, the VA and Oracle are working together to restart deployments and move the project forward.
VA Secretary Collins, who recently took office, has pledged to prioritize the EHR rollout and ensure its success. The agency is also facing potential staffing changes under the current administration, with plans to reorganize and reduce workforce levels.
In conclusion, the VA’s efforts to expand the Oracle EHR system to additional medical facilities demonstrate its commitment to modernizing healthcare services for veterans. By addressing challenges, listening to feedback, and prioritizing patient safety, the agency aims to complete the EHR deployment successfully by 2031.
