VA Joins Forces with Kaiser Permanente

By Debbie Gregory.

On February 19, 2014, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it will be join forces with Kaiser Permanente. In an effort to solve some of the toughest challenges that plague VA healthcare,  this partnership between two of the most used health care systems will result in a way to bridge their concepts and resources.

The joint effort will help promote more effective biomedical and patient treatment research for both partners. The VA and Kaiser Permanente will combine to create recommendations for how to structure healthcare. This is not the first time that these two organizations allied together.

Back in 2010, the two launched a program that was designed to exchange medical data using the Nationwide Health Information Network. This innovation in medical networking allows personnel from both organizations to gather a more complete view of a patient’s health record. The Nationwide Health Information Network allows for the electronic transfer of health record information, including information about health issues, medications and allergies, while ensuring that patient privacy and confidentiality are protected.

With over 8 million Veterans, spouses, widows and dependents enrolled in the VA Healthcare system, the VA operates as the largest integrated health care delivery system in the United States. The VA has a stated a mission to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The VA’s healthcare system provides a multitude of services including primary care, specialized care, and related medical and social support services.

In addition to healthcare, the VA is also the nation’s largest provider of healthcare education and training for physician residents and other healthcare professionals in training. The VA improves medical research and development in areas that most directly address the diseases, afflictions and conditions that affect Veterans and their families.

“VA is always on the lookout for opportunities for partnerships with the private sector and other federal agencies to enhance care for Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are proud to partner with Kaiser Permanente for the health and wellbeing of our nation’s Veterans.”