Why EHR Modernization Matters: Updates on Efforts at the VA, DoD, and Coast Guard

The Opportunity: Federal EHR Modernization Is Back on Track

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is restarting its Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) effort after a long pause caused by performance and usability challenges/issues. This program aims to deliver a seamless, lifetime health record for over 9 million veterans by integrating data across VA, Department of Defense (DoD), and civilian care providers.

Other federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of State, and DoD, are also modernizing their systems. Together, these projects represent the largest health IT transformation in U.S. government history, focused on improving care coordination, decision-making, and patient experience across federal and civilian settings.

Current Status and Next Steps

Deployment Schedule

The VA will resume deployments in mid-2026, with 13 sites planned that year. The department has adopted a market-based approach to site selection to enhance scalability and efficiency.

• The VA paused deployments due to safety and performance concerns but is now re-engaging with Oracle Health to implement a shared EHR platform with the DoD.
• Deployment Plan:
• 13 VA sites expected to go live in mid-2026
• Full nationwide rollout expected by 2031

System Alignment

The VA is implementing the same Oracle Health–based Federal EHR system used by DoD and the Coast Guard (MHS GENESIS), promoting interoperability across agencies.

Veteran Experience

Veterans will transition to the My VA Health portal for easier online access to care. The system is designed to improve user experience, patient engagement, and continuity of care.

Resuming Deployment

A market-based site selection strategy is being used to improve scalability and efficiency

Where it’s Being Deployed

• Currently Deployed Sites: The EHRM program is currently deployed at several sites, Spokane, WA, Walla Walla, WA, North Chicago, IL. Other locations with current deployments are VA Central Ohio Health Care System in Columbus, OH, Roseburg VA Health Care System in Roseburg, OR, and VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in White City, OR.
• Sites Undergoing Planning/Activities for Future Deployments (mid-2026): Planning and activities are underway for future deployments at various locations, including the Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, and Saginaw VA Healthcare Systems in Michigan. Other sites include several VAMCs in Ohio such as Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Dayton, and Louis Stokes Cleveland, as well as Cincinnati.

Key Improvements

• Focused upgrades in system reliability, clinician satisfaction, and veteran trust
• Standardizing workflows to reduce variation and streamline care delivery
• New My VA Health portal will improve online access for both VA and DoD patients

Challenges and Improvements

Historical Issues

Early phases of the EHRM program faced challenges including cost overruns, low clinician satisfaction, and limited veteran trust.

Improvements Made

The VA has since made progress in improving system reliability, clinical workflows, and stakeholder communication, key steps toward restoring momentum and trust.

Ongoing Efforts

In partnership with Oracle Health, the VA is now focused on standardizing processes and accelerating deployments while improving usability and outcomes.

Why HIMSS Members Should Care

Veterans Seek Care Across Systems

Veterans often move between VA and civilian providers. Without a modern, interoperable EHR, critical medical data is lost in transit, leading to redundant tests, medication errors, and delays in treatment.

Interoperability Without Burden

These modernization efforts aim to create frictionless information sharing, where data is readily available to authorized providers regardless of where care is delivered. This system would allow secure, effortless information sharing across providers, improving care quality and reducing duplication.

Better Data, Better Decisions

Unified EHRs enable real-time analytics, clinical decision support, and improved longitudinal tracking, empowering clinicians and policymakers alike.

Public-Private Collaboration

Successful implementation requires input from health IT vendors, care delivery leaders, and nonprofits like HIMSS. These efforts present a unique opportunity for members to help shape national health infrastructure.

Agency Snapshots

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• What they’re doing: Resuming rollout of a modern, interoperable EHR to replace the aging VistA system.
• Goal: Seamless data integration across DoD, VA, and civilian care to improve outcomes and efficiency. : Replace legacy VistA system with a unified, interoperable EHR.
• Why it matters: Ensures seamless, lifetime care—whether a veteran is seen inside or outside the VA system.

U.S. Coast Guard

• What they’ve done: Fully transitioned to MHS GENESIS, aligning with the DoD system.
• Goal: A consistent health record for military personnel during service and into veteran care.
• Why it matters: Smooth transitions between active duty and VA care reduce gaps and improve coordination.

U.S. Department of State

• What they’re doing: Updating global medical record systems for diplomats, contractors, and foreign service officers.
• Goal: Ensure secure, consistent care across embassies, posts, and U.S.-based facilities.
• Why it matters: Brings critical populations into national health IT modernization

Final Word: A National Imperative

EHR modernization is more than a technical upgrade—it is a critical health equity and infrastructure investment. These programs impact veterans, active-duty service members, and U.S. personnel worldwide. HIMSS members are uniquely positioned to advance these efforts through expertise, innovation, and leadership.