The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the deployment of the Oracle electronic health record system at nine additional medical centers in 2026. This brings the total number of facilities scheduled to roll out the EHR next year to 13. After a pause in deployments, the VA resumed the process, with the goal of completing the EHR modernization project by 2031.
The VA is taking a market-based approach to selecting the next medical centers for the EHR rollout, aiming to improve efficiency by conducting simultaneous deployments. VA Secretary Doug Collins expressed excitement about bringing modern medical record systems to Veterans in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Alaska to enhance care, coordination, and convenience.
The newly named sites set to receive the EHR in 2026 include medical centers and clinics in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Alaska. Despite the challenges and technical issues faced during the EHR rollout, the VA is determined to move forward with the project. Cerner, the initial EHR vendor that was later acquired by Oracle, has only seen six medical centers go live with the system so far.
Lawmakers have raised concerns about the EHR modernization project, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with the system’s efficiency. The Government Accountability Office reported that 75% of survey respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that the new system made them as efficient as possible. Cost estimates for the project have been unclear, with previous projections varying significantly.
In response to these concerns, a bipartisan group of legislators has urged the VA to provide an updated schedule and cost estimate for the EHR rollout by September 30. Without a reliable cost estimate, the VA risks budget overruns, schedule delays, and diminished congressional trust.
The VA remains committed to improving healthcare delivery for Veterans through the deployment of the Oracle EHR system. By addressing technical issues, improving efficiency, and providing clear cost estimates, the VA aims to successfully complete the EHR modernization project and enhance care for Veterans nationwide.
