VA describes team that monitors Direct Secure Messaging with non-VA providers

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said a dedicated team monitors and maintains VA Direct, its Direct Secure Messaging system, which allows VA and non-VA community providers to send and receive clinical information quickly and securely.

According to the department, timely information sharing helps Veterans who receive care outside VA, such as specialist appointments, emergency visits or community care referrals, avoid unnecessary delays or repeated tests.

VA said that before this work began, many providers struggled to understand how VA Direct worked. The department said regular check-ins with providers help identify problems early, and that in one case early identification of an issue protected information sharing and continuity of care. The team also provides user support, trend monitoring and documentation updates, VA said.

"The team that oversees this tool works to monitor and maintain the network of non-VA providers so that Veterans experience fewer disruptions in their care," said Greg Downing, MD, acting chief officer of VA's Digital Health Office.

Yaasmeen Daud, a clinical informaticist for the VA Direct Partner Management Team, said the goal is to build partnerships with non-VA providers, reduce paperwork and help Veterans get timely, coordinated care.

VA said there is growing interest in using Direct for more purposes. More information is available in the VA Direct Fact Sheet, according to the department.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/647