New Federal Electronic Health Record System Deployed in Michigan VA Hospitals
TL/DR –
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at four hospitals in Michigan, marking the first implementation since the Biden Administration halted the rollout in 2023. The system will allow for easy transfer of health records, integration of health information from private sector facilities, increased sharing of best practices among VA facilities, and improved continuity of care for veterans. Under the accelerated schedule, 13 deployments are planned for 2026, and future deployments are set to take place in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Alaska.
Michigan VA Hospitals Deploy New Federal Electronic Health Record System
WASHINGTON – The new Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) system was initiated at four Michigan VA hospitals on Saturday. This marks the first deployment since the launch was halted by the Biden administration in 2023.
The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, VA Battle Creek Medical Center, VA Detroit Healthcare System, and the VA Saginaw Healthcare System started using the Federal EHR on April 11. It’s the first phase of 13 scheduled deployments in 2026, aimed at providing a more efficient, patient-centered experience across all VA facilities.
Potential Benefits for Michigan Veterans
With the launch of the new EHR system, Michigan veterans are set to benefit from:
- Effortless transfer of military health records among VA, Department of War, and other federal partners
- Integration of health information from private sector facilities into VA’s care for Veterans
- More time with VA doctors and nurses due to the reduction of outdated technology usage
- Avoidance of duplicative tests due to the misplaced test results
- Improved sharing of best medical practices among VA facilities
- Better continuity of care during emergency visits or transfers to unfamiliar facilities
How The EHR Project Was Revived
The EHR project, previously set back by the Biden administration, was revived through several initiatives such as:
- Correcting hundreds of issues from the initial EHR system rollout including the local VA facilities’ efforts to personalize the system, which only complicated the process. The current focus is on a standardized system for all VA facilities, minimizing complexities that previously caused delays.
- Reducing bureaucracy that was previously stalling the project. Several councils, which often conflicted, were making decisions about EHR modernization. A single council now handles these decisions, thereby increasing accountability and facilitating better decision-making.
- Increasing local facilities’ involvement allowing VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence to personally visit all 13 deployment sites, engage with facility leaders, answer questions, and ensure readiness.
- Employing additional staff to assist with the rollout in Michigan and other locations. The VA is in the process of hiring a total of 400 people.
Scheduled EHR Deployments for 2026
Under VA’s accelerated schedule, EHR deployments will occur as follows:
June 2026 – Chillicothe VA Medical Center, Cincinnati VAMC, Cincinnati VAMC-Fort Thomas, Dayton VAMC.
August 2026 – Fort Wayne VAMC, Marion VAMC, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC.
October 2026 – Alaska VA Healthcare System, Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC.
“The initial 2026 EHR deployments represent real progress toward a unified electronic health record enhancing care delivery for our patients and providers”, said VA Deputy Secretary, Paul Lawrence, Ph.D. “With our Michigan sites live, we are building strong momentum towards the next implementation phase.”
For additional information about the EHRM program and the Federal EHR, visit VA’s EHR Modernization Program.
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