The Blue Button Initiative
Security
While information is housed by the VA and CMS, it is subject to very high security. When an individual downloads this information to a computer, portable drive, or simply prints it, the person becomes responsible for the confidentiality of his/her information. Encryption and security programs with password protection are recommended. This is confidential health and medical data that should continue to be protected even when downloaded from the main website.
Benefits of Blue Button Initiative
Along with providing extremely detailed, secure, accessible personal health records, what else can the Blue Button do for you? Imagine being able to refill your prescriptions online instead of dealing with the VA medical center. How about avoiding duplicate tests and procedures because you have complete documentation of all of your medical records? With the thorough tools at your disposal, you can effectively communicate with all of your providers, virtually eliminating the risk of errors based on miscommunication or incomplete records.
In addition to the usual PHR tools, Blue Button offers printable wallet cards with critical medical information, online journals to monitor health and wellness activities, and a variety of trackers to monitor ongoing conditions. The Blue Button upload service allows any Medicare/Medicaid or Veteran Administration patient to upload their Blue Button data file to HealthVault so that the included medications, labs, conditions, and other information can be used in any of the dozens of HealthVault ecosystem applications. Blue Button Health Assistant helps you securely download and interact with your personal health information online.
More on the Way
The VA Innovation Initiative (VAi2) is currently working on expanding the capabilities of the Blue Button through more types of data and increased functionality. VAi2 is inviting entrepreneurs, academic leaders, private companies, and individuals to contribute ideas to improve the quality of services provided to Veterans. By seeking ideas both within government and in the private sector, the hope is that improved quality, cost, and performance can be provided.
VAi2 recently announced its new Industry Competition with up to $100 million in awards. Participants are encouraged to submit ideas for the following five topics:
- Fully automated medical equipment sterilization
- Utilizing telemedicine to provide audiology services to remote Veterans
- Enhancing of and adding novel uses to the VA’s Blue Button PHR
- Innovative ideas for improving the fit and comfort of prosthetics
- Technology to assist with self-management of vocational rehabilitation
Get Started
If you don’t already have a MyHealtheVet, register online first. Then, visit your VA facility for your one-time authentication process. This unlocks all of the features of your account and provide the full benefits of the program. The best part of all of this? It is completely free.
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