Experiences of Rural Non-VA Providers in Treating Dual Care Veterans and the Development of Electronic Health Information Exchange Networks Between the Two Systems

Findings are presented from two focus group discussions with rural non-VA (Veterans Administration) primary care providers to better understand their experience with treating dual care veterans, those who receive care from both VA and non-VA providers. Participants reported challenges related to a lack of communication and coordination between the VA and non-VA providers. Participants agreed that improvements must be made to the current healthcare delivery model for rural dual care veterans to support seamless care. Two case studies involving VA-supported projects currently focused on bridging the two systems through the establishment of electronic health information exchange (eHIE) networks in rural areas are discussed. Challenges encountered while developing these networks and ways these challenges have been overcome are described. Successful implementation of methods designed to facilitate communication and coordination between the VA and non-VA systems is needed to deliver seamless care to rural dual care veterans in a timely and effective manner