Paper-Based Records Interchange?

Based on an internal briefing from early this summer which made its way to my inbox, it looks like the Defense Department is scanning a large heap of medical records so the Veterans Affairs Department can access them.

On the other hand, the Military Entrance Processing Command has kicked off a project which could be key to development of the Defense/VA lifetime electronic health record promised by President Obama this April.

The Military Entrance Processing Command, according to the brief, wants to get rid of the paper-based process for military recruits at enlistment stations around the country and replace it with what it calls a visionary Virtual Interactive Processing System which will jump start the use of electronic health records systems as soon as someone takes the oath.

The brief does not give a date for the launch of the Virtual Interactive Processing System, but beginning at enlistment sure does seem like the logical place to start.