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Improvements Always Being Made to the VA EHRs

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are the future for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). As it is not yet a completed system, there are going to be bugs and flaws. Recent VA research has suggested those bugs and flaws are good things for everyone.

Because of the system's current limitations and issues, many physicians are utilizing "workarounds," which come in both paper and electronic forms. Those workarounds are not necessarily negative things and will eventually strengthen the EHR system.

Many clinicians and physicians prefer to read hard copy patient records as opposed to looking at them on a computer screen. Others print out various information in chart or spreadsheet form. These paper processes usually occur when patients meet with their primary care doctors and specialists. These processes are outside the realm of EHRs.

Researchers studying these workarounds found 11 different types. They found some instances where physicians simply refused to abandon using paper, they discovered communication breakdowns between clinicians and VA medical centers, and a lot of redundant computerized management.

Although some of the paper processes serve to frustrate the EHR system, others highlight areas where EHRs can be more efficient, and some proved to work better than EHRs. Designers working on the EHR system need this information to ensure it is as effective and comprehensive as possible.

The VA's VISTA system is one of the most top-of-the-line EHR systems in the world. As researchers showed, however, there is always room for improvement.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.