The initial offering allows veterans to view and store all immunization records in one place.
WHY IT IMPORTANT
Healthy Together uses the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Lighthouse program to securely access relevant VA data when veterans connect their VA accounts.
This partnership is part of the VA’s effort to provide more ways for veterans to securely access and use their data and health records through the agency’s API.
In addition to vaccine records, the partnership will expand access to test results, allergy records, clinical records, medical conditions and appointment records, according to the announcement.
Healthy Together is one of a growing list of third-party tools in the VA’s apps directory.
The company is currently working with the Florida Department of Health, the state of Colorado, the University of Oklahoma, and others to share test results and access certain public health benefits.
According to the company, more than 50% of Florida households are already using the mobile app, where more than 1.5 million veterans reside.
“Healthy Together is easy to use, even for the non-tech-savvy,” veteran Louis Mazzacane said in the announcement.
“Having a digital copy of immunization records saves me from having to carry paper copies back and forth between providers.”
TREND TO BIGGER WOMAN
The VA API Platform is part of the agency’s digital modernization strategy to leverage the ability of approved technology partners to build innovation tools for veterans.
Last month, top leaders of the digital transformation team discussed new technology applications, including developing their own mobile apps and the use of SaaS and other technologies. low-code engine to improve flexibility and provide better end-user experience.
“It’s important for us to regularly try to meet veterans where they are,” said Charles Worthington, CTO of the VA.
The agency’s response to veterans’ requests for care and services has long been criticized, and digital access to health information through tools like Healthy Together is one way the VA hopes to reduce call center requirements and provide shorter wait times for veterans wanting to call the VA.
On its website, Healthy Together says its technology has saved agencies and organizations more than $60 million in cost savings.
“We know that not every veteran wants to interact with the VA in the same way,” added Worthington.
ON PROFILE
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the VA to make it easier for all veterans to access their vital health information,” said Jayson Ahlstrom, co-founder and product manager of Healthy Together.
“Providing an up-to-date and personalized digital vaccination history in the Healthy Together app is just the beginning, and we look forward to expanding access.”
Andrea Fox is the senior editor of Healthcare IT News.
Email: [email protected]
Healthcare IT News is a publication of HIMSS.
