VA seeks new patient scheduling system
By
Bob Brewin
The Veterans Affairs Department has kicked off the contracting process to develop its new patient scheduling system, a follow-up to a nine year, $167 million project that collapsed in March 2009 and led VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to call for a review of all the department's information technology projects by February 2012.
VA frankly acknowledged the problems with the original project in a request for information for the new medical scheduling system project released in December 2011.
The department said the original project was marred by lack of planning, competition and detailed requirements, and was plagued by poor internal oversight.
The new scheduling system will be built on the department's Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture. It will be open source software, according to VA, and will be delivered in increments.
VA has eyed Web and mobile technologies for the new scheduling system. "There is significant growth in the younger veteran population that is comfortable using Web-enabled technology and expects to be able to do business online. Other veterans prefer traditional methods of engaging with VA," the RFI noted.
"Veteran-enabled scheduling would allow veterans to determine desired interactions with VHA and support VHA's response to those preferences," the RFI said. "Veterans should be able to engage with VHA through the Internet, phone, automated phone systems and mobile devices when scheduling appointments, verifying appointments, and receiving reminders and updates."
Interested vendors should reply to the RFI by Jan. 31.