Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) Pilot Program Kicks Off in Twin Ports

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it is expanding the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) pilot program to include Veterans in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.

VLER is a multi-faceted business and technology initiative that includes a portfolio of health, benefits, personnel, and administrative information sharing capabilities.

An estimated 5,000 Veterans who receive primary care services at the VA’s Twin Ports Outpatient Clinic (TPOC) in Superior, Wis. began receiving notification letters this week that they are eligible to participate in the VLER program, which allows the sharing of health information between the VA, Department of Defense and non-governmental health agencies who agree to partner with the VA.

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS), which operates the Twin Ports clinic, is partnering with Essentia Health (formerly known as St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic Health System), a private hospital, which provides space for the VA Twin Ports clinic in its building. Many VA patients also receive services at Essentia Health.

“We are committed to offering new technologies that enhance our abilities to provide the Veterans in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin with high quality health care and services,” said MVAHCS Director Steve Kleinglass.

VA selected the Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin area because of the high concentration of Veterans, military retirees, and members of the National Guard and Reserve.

Veterans who choose to participate will authorize their public and private sector health care providers and doctors to share specific health information electronically, safely, securely, and privately. No exchange of information will occur without the appropriate permissions of the individual Veterans.

The MVAHCS also plans to implement the program at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, partnered with Minneapolis and St. Paul area health care providers, beginning late Fall 2011.

    For more information about VLER Health, Veterans may call 1-877-771-VLER(8537).

    Veterans can also learn more and find the VLER Health Authorization Forms at the website www.minneapolis.va.gov/VLER.asp.