Health IT Answers: The VA’s Journey to Modernizing Medical Record Documentation
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to struggle with timely medical record documentation, even with the shift from paper to electronic systems.
Delayed or incomplete documentation poses compliance risks, as the VA must meet Joint Commission accreditation standards for critical records like operation notes and discharge summaries. Failure to do so can threaten compliance, disrupt revenue cycles, create legal risks, and hinder communication among care teams. This can also potentially compromise the quality of care for Veterans.
Currently, the VA also relies on manual VistA reports and inconsistent processes across facilities, leading to inefficiencies and added complexity. The Health Information Management Service (HIMS) is responsible for manually tracking and following up with physicians to complete records, which is often a labor-intensive task that slows operations and wastes valuable time.
Fortunately, there’s a fresh approach emerging to help modernize record documentation efforts at the VA. This was the key focus of a recent Health IT Answers guest article by Bridget Kennedy, CSM, CSPO, Sr. Product Line Manager at DSS, Inc. Following are the key highlights from this guest article.
A Fresh Approach to Medical Record Documentation
DSS’ new Encounter Management Tool (EMT) is helping to modernize the VA’s documentation process. This platform streamlines workflows by providing actionable worklists that allow clinicians and administrative staff to manage tasks within a single interface. The solution eliminates double data entry and reduces the need to switch between multiple applications. This not only saves time but improves overall efficiency.
Beyond workflow improvements, EMT enhances access to information by enabling users to manage encounters and unsigned or cosigned TIU notes in one place.
In addition, real-time updates ensure completed signatures are instantly reflected in VistA/CPRS. Administrators can also gain powerful tools for managing TIU notes, such as reassigning tasks, editing co-signers, and tracking compliance through customized reporting – bringing the VA closer to a more efficient and streamlined system.
Modernized Medical Record Documentation Outcomes
EMT streamlines workflows by consolidating documentation functions into a single platform, reducing time spent navigating multiple systems and improving efficiency. Clinicians can manage encounters and TIU notes more effectively, ensuring timely and complete documentation that enhances communication and supports better patient outcomes.
Beyond clinical benefits, EMT eases the administrative burden on HIMS by automating documentation management, reducing provider burnout, and improving collaboration between clinicians and administrators.
By adopting this kind of web-based solution, the VA is setting a new standard for compliance and care quality, reinforcing its commitment to delivering the best possible care for Veterans.
Read the full Health IT Answers guest article here. Learn more about the Encounter Management Tool, and contact us today to schedule a demo of the new DSS EMT solution.