VA says new health record system eases remote infusion care for Northern Indiana veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said its Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) is helping VA Northern Indiana Health Care System coordinate remote infusion care with community providers under its "Close to Me" program.

According to the VA, Close to Me began in 2021 to make anti-cancer and other infusion therapies available through local VA clinics and partnering providers so veterans can avoid long drives. VA Northern Indiana adopted the program in 2024. Before then, it offered infusions only at its medical center in Fort Wayne. The system has since opened infusion clinics at the Jackie Walorski VA Clinic in Mishawaka and the Marion VA medical center, the agency said.

The VA said about one-third of VA Northern Indiana patients live near South Bend, roughly a two-hour drive from Fort Wayne. It said the program has saved veterans and caregivers in the region more than 410,000 miles of driving.

Dr. Scott Ganger, chief of pharmacy for VA Northern Indiana, said the Federal EHR lets VA staff communicate more easily with community partners. That includes sharing patient information and receiving prescription orders directly.

Dr. Jenna Shields, who leads the program nationally, said she expects similar benefits for veterans elsewhere as the record system expands across the country, according to the VA.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/590