What Is the Federal EHR and Why Does It Matter?

The Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a digital system that securely stores and manages veterans’ medical information. The VA is rolling out this system nationwide, but Northern Indiana is one of the first regions to use it for remote infusion care. This upgrade helps your care team access your records instantly, coordinate treatments, and reduce paperwork delays.

For veterans, this means less time repeating your medical history and more time focused on your health. The EHR also helps the VA track your medications and lab results, reducing the risk of errors or missed treatments.

How the EHR Improves Remote Infusion Care

The "Close to Me" initiative lets veterans receive infusion treatments—such as for autoimmune disorders or infections—closer to home, sometimes even outside main VA hospitals. With the new EHR, your eligibility, prescriptions, and appointments are managed digitally, so you don’t need to bring paper records or wait for files to transfer between clinics.

  • Faster scheduling of infusion appointments
  • Real-time updates for your care team and pharmacy
  • Reduced travel: more care available at community clinics
  • Automatic reminders and follow-up instructions

This is especially helpful if you live far from a VA Medical Center or have mobility challenges. Ask your VA provider if you qualify for remote infusion care under the "Close to Me" program.

What Veterans Should Do Next

If you receive or need infusion treatments, contact your VA primary care team to discuss your options. Ask if your records are in the new Federal EHR system and if you can use a local clinic for infusions. You may need to update your contact information or sign new consent forms for digital record sharing.

Keep your VA identification and insurance details up to date. If you’re new to VA healthcare, start by enrolling through the VA claims process and completing VA Form 10-10EZ. For more on healthcare eligibility and benefits, see our explainers section.

Looking Ahead: Broader Access and What to Watch For

While the Federal EHR and remote infusion care are currently available in Northern Indiana, the VA plans to expand these improvements nationwide. Stay informed by checking your local VA facility’s updates or the VA’s main website. If you have issues accessing care or your records, file a complaint with your VA Patient Advocate.

For those using TRICARE or transitioning from military to VA healthcare, ask about how your military medical records are transferred into the new EHR system. This can help avoid gaps in your treatment or eligibility for certain benefits.