The Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record Health Information Exchange Initiative (VLER HIE) securely connects health and benefit information systems from the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal and private sector partners.
On June 1, 2016, VLER HIE is expanding to our TRICARE network providers.
What is VLER HIE?
The VLER HIE is a secure network that shares health information. For decades, the Military Health System (MHS) has operated its own HIE that has shared our health information electronically between providers at military treatment facilities (MTF) and VA facilities. Now, this capability is expanding to our TRICARE network providers. With the VLER HIE, all health providers—whether at an MTF or from the TRICARE network—can access beneficiary records and health information electronically.
eHealth Exchange
The eHealth Exchange is a network of exchange partners who securely share clinical information across the United States. Not all medical organizations participate the eHealth Exchange. The VLER HIE shares health information securely with participating healthcare providers who have joined the eHealth Exchange and who are connected with the MHS.
View a List of eHealth Exchange Participating Providers
By sharing through the eHealth Exchange, healthcare providers have a more complete view of a patient’s health record. This can help the healthcare team make the best decisions.
VLER HIE Privacy and Security
The VLER HIE allows MHS providers to securely access and share a patient’s health information with authorized health partners. VLER HIE fully complies with the most rigorous privacy and security standards.
HIE Benefits through VLER
Access to a patient’s medical history is very important to healthcare providers. By using the eHealth Exchange, DoD healthcare providers can have a more complete view of a patient’s health record. This allows each patient and their healthcare team to make informed decisions for their health. Through the eHealth Exchange, DoD healthcare providers can share and access such information as prescriptions, allergies, illnesses, lab and radiology results, immunizations and past medical procedures.
What information won't be shared?
Health information marked sensitive including information about treatment for sexual assault, substance abuse, mental health, and sexually transmitted diseases won’t be shared.
The information we share through the eHealth Exchange is the same information you can see through the Blue Button feature on the TOL system. If you want to see what will be shared:
VLER HIE Opt-Out
Starting June 1, 2016, the VLER HIE benefit is available to all TRICARE beneficiaries. All beneficiaries except active duty service members may choose to opt out of the VLER HIE.
- TRICARE eligibility and status will not change if a patient chooses not to participate.
- If a patient chooses to opt out of the VLER HIE, the MHS may not be allowed to electronically share that patient’s healthcare information through the eHealth Exchange, possibly not even in cases of emergency.
- Civilian healthcare providers who participate in the eHealth Exchange may also require patients to complete an opt out or opt in request.
Choosing not to participate won’t affect HIPAA-authorized DoD exchange of healthcare information, or the sharing of paper records with the VA. >>Learn More about how to opt out of the MHS VLER HIE