Military joins health record-sharing initiative Published June 3, 2016 By Senior Airman Jason Wiese 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The Military Health System became part of the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record Health Information Exchange Initiative June 1. Now that the U.S. military is a part of the initiative, health records will be shared electronically, securely, effectively and efficiently throughout the entire MHS as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal and private sector partners. “This service will be a seamless transition for patients as it is already part of TRICARE health benefits,” said Maj. Michele Serrano, 90th Medical Support Squadron Pharmacy Flight commander. “This service now allows Department of Defense, VA and TRICARE network providers to securely share patient medical information to make informed medical decisions, reduce unnecessary repeat tests and to have instant access to medical history including medications and allergies.” Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record Health Information Exchange is available at all military hospitals and clinics for active-duty service members and veterans. “Recognizing that some people might have privacy concerns, those not on active duty may choose not to participate in VLER Health,” said Dr. William Roberts, MHS functional champion and the voice for MHS personnel during the electronic health records development process. “We’re setting up a process to give those people the chance to opt out, but we do want them to understand that if they do decide to opt out, health care providers might not have access to medical information, even in an emergency. If they ever want to opt back in, that’s easy to do.” The system gives health care providers easier ways to share important information, such as prescriptions, allergies, previously documented illnesses, lab and radiology results and past medical procedures. “We’re making sure all of our active-duty, retirees and family members get the care they need and deserve,” said Roberts. “Part of that is making sure everyone is able to share important information easily and seamlessly.” More information on the VLER HIE Initiative is available at TRICARE.mil/VLER. Additionally, frequently asked question handouts are available at the 90th Medical Group Pharmacy. Information from a release from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Affairs was used in this article.