How VHIE Works
Health information exchanges (HIEs) are a common tool used across the health care industry to improve continuity of care, and to reduce duplicative tests and clinical errors when patients see health care providers from different practices or networks.
Electronic health information exchanges connect health care providers, care facilities, pharmacies, and labs to ensure care teams have the most up-to-date and accurate information in order to treat patients. VHIE’s secure exchange system eliminates the need to send paper medical records by mail or carry your paper records to appointments with federal health care providers and/or participating external providers.
![This graphic displays an image of VA patients being in the center of their care. The circular diagram on the outside of VA patients displays the elements of VA health care that are connected with electronic health information exchange. These elements include: VA Providers, Participating External Providers, Pharmacies, Labs, Electronic Health Record Server (which includes the VA, DoD, and other federal agencies), Care Facilities, and Health Information Exchanges (HIEs).](/VHIE/images/graphics/vhie-infographic.png)
The federal health care system includes:
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- Other governmental agencies
Participating external providers are provider organizations that have trusted agreements with VA for electronic health information exchange. These organizations may include single-physician offices and multi-hospital systems.
VA does not share your health information with participating external providers unless they are treating you.
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To learn more, view the Electronic Health Information Exchange Factsheet or visit the VHIE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. For a complete listing of trusted organizations VA exchanges electronic health information with, visit the Find Participating Providers page.
Still have questions? Call the toll-free VHIE Information Line at 1-877-771-8537 Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. CST or feel free to email us at VHAVHIEPublicAffairs@va.gov. ****PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE FORMS, PATIENT SSN, LAST FOUR AND/OR DATE OF BIRTH. This is an unsecured mailbox! ****
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